Environment Protection Authority v Crown in the Right of New South Wales (Office of Environment and Heritage) [2019] NSWLEC 66

Land and Environment Court New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Environment Protection Authority v Crown in the Right of New South Wales (Office of Environment and Heritage) [2019] NSWLEC 66 Hearing dates: 21 May 2019 Date of orders: 22 May 2019 Decision date: 22 May 2019 Jurisdiction: Class 5 Before: Pepper J Decision: See orders at [190]. Catchwords: ENVIRONMENTAL OFFENCE: pollution of waters – plea of guilty – discharge of partially treated sewage effluent into a waterway in a national park – sentencing principles – determination of the objective seriousness of the offence – consideration of the subjective circumstances of the defendant – prior convictions –discount for early guilty plea – assistance to authorities – examination of comparable cases – monetary penalty imposed – costs order made. Legislation Cited: Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999, Div 1, ss 3A, 21A Criminal Procedure Act 1986, s 257B National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, s 86 Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997, ss 64(1), 91, 116, 120, 241 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 Cabonne Shire Council v Environment Protection Authority [2001] NSWCCA 280; (2001) 115 LGERA 304 Camilleri's Stock Feeds Pty Ltd v Environment Protection Authority (1993) 32 NSWLR 683 Chief Executive of the Office of Environment and Heritage v Crown in the Right of New South Wales (National Parks and Wildlife Services which is a part of Office of Environment and Heritage) [2016] NSWLEC 147 Chief Executive, Office of Environment & Heritage v Orica Pty Ltd; Environment Protection Authority v Orica Pty Ltd [2015] NSWLEC 109 Chief Executive, Office of Environment and Heritage v Douglas Brian Reitano (No 2) [2019] NSWLEC 39 Elias v The Queen [2013] HCA 31; (2013) 248 CLR 483 Environment Protection Authority v Baiada Poultry Pty Ltd [2008] NSWLEC 280; (2008) 163 LGERA 71 Environment Protection Authority v Barnes [2006] NSWCCA 246 Environment Protection Authority v Centennial Newstan Pty Ltd [2010] NSWLEC 211 Environment Protection Authority v Elf Farm Supplies Pty Ltd [2017] NSWLEC 60