Environment Protection Authority v Ardent Leisure Ltd (ACN 104 529 106) [2018] NSWLEC 36

Land and Environment Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Environment Protection Authority v Ardent Leisure Ltd (ACN 104 529 106) [2018] NSWLEC 36 Hearing dates: 7 to 8 March 2018 Date of orders: 27 June 2018 Decision date: 23 March 2018 Jurisdiction: Class 5 Before: Robson J Decision: See orders at [167],[168] and [169] Catchwords: ENVIRONMENTAL OFFENCES – sentence – causing the escape of diesel fuel into Sydney Harbour – actual and likely environmental harm – environmental harm reasonably foreseeable – practical measures available to avoid offences occurring – moderate range of objective seriousness – offender provided assistance to authorities – offender of good corporate character and remorseful – offender taken measures to prevent reoccurrence of the offences – need for both specific and general deterrence – totality principle applies – offender ordered to publicise offences and sentence in newspapers – offender ordered to pay prosecutor's legal and investigation costs Legislation Cited: Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW) ss 3A, 21A, 22 Criminal Procedure Act 1996 (NSW) s 257B Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (NSW) ss 3, 120, 241, 248 Protection of the Environment Operations (Underground Petroleum Storage Systems) Regulation 2014 (NSW) cll 3, 19 Cases Cited: Axer Pty Ltd v Environment Protection Authority (1993) 113 LGERA 357 Bentley v BGP Properties Pty Limited [2006] NSWLEC 34; (2006) 145 LGERA 234 Burwood Council v Erector Group Pty Ltd; Burwood Council v Liverpool Developing Pty Ltd [2017] NSWLEC 20 Cameron v Eurobodalla Shire Council [2006] NSWLEC 47; (2006) 146 LGERA 349 Camilleri's Stock Feeds Pty Ltd v Environment Protection Authority (1993) 32 NSWLR 683; (1993) 82 LGERA 21 Chief Executive, Office of Environment & Heritage v Orica Pty Ltd; Environment Protection Authority v Orica Pty Ltd [2015] NSWLEC 109 Dyno Nobel Asia Pacific Pty Ltd v Environment Protection Authority [2017] NSWCCA 302 Director-General of the Department of Environment and Climate Change v Rae [2009] NSWLEC 137; (2009) 168 LGERA 121 Environment Protection Authority v Baiada Poultry Pty Ltd [2008] NSWLEC 280; (2008) 163 LGERA 71 Environment Protection Authority v Ballina Shire Council [2006] NSWLEC 289; (2006) 148 LGERA 278 Environment Protection Authority v Borg Panels Pty Ltd [2016] NSWLEC 71 Environment Protection Authority v Coe Drilling Australia Pty Ltd [2005] NSWLEC 719 Environment Protection Authority v CSR Building Products Ltd [2008] NSWLEC 224 Environment Protection Authority v Custom Chemicals Pty Ltd [2016] NSWLEC 146 Environment Protection Authority v Davis [2005] NSWLEC 643 Environment Protection Authority v Hunter Water Corporation [2016] NSWLEC 76 Environment Protection Authority v Le Dome Pty Ltd [2002] NSWLEC 167; (2002) 125 LGERA 121 Environment Protection Authority v Moolarben Coal Operations Pty Ltd [2012] NSWLEC 65 Environment Protection Authority v Moolarben Coal Operations Pty Ltd (No 2) [2012] NSWLEC 80 Environment Protection Authority v Nalco Australia Pty Ltd [2007] NSWLEC 831 Environment Protection Authority v Nowra Chemical Manufacturers Pty Ltd [2008] NSWLEC 187 Environment Protection Authority v Ravensworth Operations Pty Ltd [2012] NSWLEC 222 Environment Protection Authority v Robinson [2004] NSWLEC 629 Environment Protection Authority v Snowy Hydro Ltd [2008] NSWLEC 264; (2008) 162 LGERA 273 Environment Protection Authority v Sydney Water Corporation [2015] NSWLEC 80 Environment Protection Authority v Waste Recycling and Processing Corporation [2006] NSWLEC 419; (2006) 148 LGERA 299 Gittany Constructions Pty Limited v Sutherland Shire Council [2006] NSWLEC 242; (2006) 145 LGERA 189 Hili v The Queen; Jones v The Queen (2010) 242 CLR 520; [2010] HCA 45 Newcastle City Council v Pace Farm Egg Products Pty Ltd [2002] NSWLEC 66 Pearce v The Queen (1998) 194 CLR 610; [1998] HCA 57 R v Holder; R v Johnston [1983] 3 NSWLR 245 R v Thomson; R v Houlton (2000) 49 NSWLR 383; [2000] NSWCCA 309 Waldron v Hensler (1987) 163 CLR 561; [1987] HCA 54 Category: Sentence Parties: Environment Protection Authority (Prosecutor) Ardent Leisure Ltd (ACN 104 529 106) (Defendant) Representation: Counsel: S Rushton SC (Prosecutor) T Howard SC (Defendant)