What happened to the Blue Whale Farm Plantation in Western Australia?

The Blue Whale Farm Plantation was fined $141,000 for clearing 16 hectares of land, including the endangered round-leaf honeysuckle, over a five-month period in 2022.

How did the authorities discover the illegal clearing by the Blue Whale Farm Plantation?

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation detected the changes to the land through satellite imagery and intervened to stop further devastation.

What was the reaction of the Shire of Augusta Margaret River President Julia Meldrum to the loss of the unique plant life?

Meldrum described the loss of the round-leaf honeysuckle, which is found in only a few places in the country, as "quite devastating" for the local community.

Home / Environment / Plantation Fined $141,000 for Destroying Endangered Honeysuckle Habitat

Plantation Fined $141,000 for Destroying Endangered Honeysuckle Habitat

27 Oct

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Summary

Plantation cleared 16 hectares of land, including endangered round-leaf honeysuckle
Fined $141,000 for actions over 5 months, stopped from further devastation
Magistrate says punishment aims to deter other companies from similar actions

Plantation Fined $141,000 for Destroying Endangered Honeysuckle Habitat

In October 2025, a plantation in Western Australia was held accountable for its environmental destruction. The Blue Whale Farm Plantation had cleared 16 hectares of land, including the endangered round-leaf honeysuckle, over a five-month period in 2022. However, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation detected the changes through satellite imagery and intervened, preventing further devastation.

Magistrate Anthony Sullivan of the Bunbury Magistrates Court imposed a hefty fine of $141,000 on the company, stating that this was a "serious breach to the natural environment." The punishment was intended not only to address the specific incident but also to deter other companies from engaging in similar unlawful activities that harm the local ecosystem.