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Aug 14, 2023

Earthmover accused of going rogue bulldozing state park

An alleged rogue earthmover has been charged with more than 120 offences after a hectare of state park was bulldozed in Victoria's northeast.

The 70-year-old earthmoving business owner has been accused of knocking down more than 60 large native trees, destroying wildlife habitat and damaging public land.

Environmental assessments found the trees would have provided significant habitat for native wildlife, including the endangered gang-gang cockatoo.

Damaging or destroying wildlife habitat without a permit can attract fines of more than $9000 per charge.

Chief conservation regulator Kate Gavens said her office took habitat destruction extremely seriously.

"Our public land estate is important for native flora and fauna to survive and thrive," Ms Gavens said.

"It is the responsibility of businesses and individuals to know the law and work with authorities to ensure they have the legal authority to undertake any work on public land."

The man will appear before Wodonga Magistrates' Court on July 11.

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