A local builder copped more than he bargained for when he appealed two fines issued by City of Canterbury Bankstown and was slapped with an increased penalty of $2,000 in court.
The builder was issued with $6,000 worth of fines in 2023 for non-compliant sediment and erosion controls and a failure to install signage for the principal building contractor on the site.
After first appealing the fines at Bankstown Local Court, the builder pled guilty and was convicted and fined a total of $8,000.
The magistrate sent a clear message that all builders have a duty to ensure sites are properly maintained and noted that a “two-year-old” could have pulled the fence down.
Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said Council will not tolerate businesses who want to cut corners and compromise the safety of the community.
“Every business in our City has a responsibility to ensure they are meeting their environmental obligations at all times,” Mayor El-Hayek said.
Council will be participating in a month-long blitz targeting developers and enforcing environmental best practice on building sites this May.
The Get the Site Right campaign will see CBCity join more than 20 other councils, along with the Department of Planning and Environment and NSW Environment Protection Authority.
Council Officers will be undertaking inspections of local building sites, with a focus on their environmental conditions including sediment and erosion controls, tree protection measures and loose litter containments.
Mayor El-Hayek said a similar Get the Site Right blitz last year saw shocking results.
“Only 11 out of the 116 inspected sites in 2023 were compliant on their first visit,” Mayor El-Hayek said.
“These inspections are part of our efforts to remind builders and developers that they have a critical role to play in reducing harm on our waterways.”
In last year’s blitz, rectification notices were issued for minor breaches, while more serious breaches were dealt with through penalty notices. Council issued a total of 39 penalty infringement notices, amounting to $119,000.
The one-day inspection blitz will take place on Thursday 16 May, with a follow-up expected to be held in October.
Residents are encouraged to report pollution incidents to Council on 9707 9000 or online at cb.city/ReportIt