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Environment Protection Authority v Appleton

Environment Protection Authority v Appleton

Case [2025] NSWLEC 62 19 June 2025

Environmental Regulation

Administrative Enforcement

Compliance Orders

Environmental Law

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Land and Environment Court

New South Wales

Medium Neutral Citation: Environment Protection Authority v Appleton [2025] NSWLEC 62
Hearing dates: 11 November 2024
Date of orders: 19 June 2025
Decision date: 19 June 2025
Jurisdiction: Class 5
Before: Pritchard J
Decision:
See orders at [164] of judgment

Catchwords:
SENTENCING — environmental offences — use of place as waste facility without lawful authority —s 144(1) of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (NSW) — guilty plea — potential for significant environment harm — capacity to pay a fine — s 6 of the Fines Act 1966 (NSW) —moiety — restoration order — s 245 of the POEO Act

Legislation Cited:
Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW) ss 3A, 21A, 22
Criminal Procedure Act 1986 (NSW) ss 257B, 257G, Div 2A
Fines Act 1996 (NSW) ss 6, 122
Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (NSW) ss 3, 91B, 144, 241, 245, Sch 1, Dictionary
Protection of the Environment Operations (General) Regulation 2009 (NSW) (repealed) cl 109
Protection of the Environment Operations (General) Regulation 2021 (NSW) (repealed) cl 148
Protection of the Environment Operations (General) Regulation 2022 (NSW) cl 133
Protection of the Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation 2014 (NSW) cl 76, Part 4

Cases Cited:
ACE Demolition & Excavation Pty Ltd v Environment Protection Authority (2024) 260 LGERA 358; [2024] NSWCCA 4
Axer Pty Ltd v Environment Protection Authority (1993) 113 LGERA 357
Bankstown City Council v Hanna (2014) 205 LGERA 39; [2014] NSWLEC 152
Barbaro v The Queen (2014) 253 CLR 58; [2014] HCA 2
Bentley v BGP Properties Pty Ltd (2006) 145 LGERA 234; [2006] NSWLEC 34
Cameron v The Queen (2002) 209 CLR 339; [2002] HCA 6
Camilleri’s Stock Feeds Pty Ltd v Environment Protection Authority (1993) 32 NSWLR 683; (1993) 82 LGERA 21
Chief Executive, Office of Environment and Heritage v Boyle [2019] NSWLEC 54
Darter v Diden (2006) 94 SASR 505; (2006) 161 A Crim R 369; [2006] SASC 152
Director-General of the Department of Environment and Climate Change v Rae (2009) 168 LGERA 121; (2009) 197 A Crim R 31; [2009] NSWLEC 137
Elias v The Queen (2013) 248 CLR 483; [2013] HCA 31
Environment Protection Authority v Baiada Poultry Pty Ltd (2008) 163 LGERA 71; [2008] NSWLEC 280
Environment Protection Authority v BSV Tyre Recycling Pty Ltd [2024] NSWLEC 63
Environment Protection Authority v Ditchfield Contracting Pty Ltd [2018] NSWLEC 90
Environment Protection Authority v Forestry Corporation of New South Wales [2022] NSWLEC 70
Environment Protection Authority v Forestry Corporation of New South Wales [2024] NSWLEC 78
Environment Protection Authority v Laison [2015] NSWLEC 89
Environment Protection Authority v Metropolitan Collieries Pty Ltd [2025] NSWLEC 23
Environment Protection Authority v Mouawad (also known as Isaac) (No 4) [2023] NSWLEC 76
Environment Protection Authority v Nath [2024] NSWLEC 10
Environment Protection Authority v Ravensworth Operations Pty Ltd [2012] NSWLEC 222
Environment Protection Authority v Richardson; Environment Protection Authority v Behnfeld [2002] NSWLEC 205

Grounds of appeal

[14] The appellant contends that the primary judge erred in finding that the respondent had discharged the onus of establishing the matters required under the relevant provision.

[15] It was submitted that his Honour failed to give adequate weight to the evidence of the second witness, and that the findings of fact were not reasonably open on the material before the Court.

[16] The respondent, for its part, submits that no error is disclosed, and that the conclusions reached were well within the range of outcomes available to the primary judge.

Consideration

[17] It is convenient to deal first with the question of construction, as the resolution of that issue informs the remaining grounds advanced by the appellant.

[18] For the reasons that follow, we are of the view that the appeal should be allowed in part and the matter remitted for further determination.

Continue reading Environment Protection Authority v Appleton

Details

AGLC: Environment Protection Authority v Appleton [2025] NSWLEC 62
Case: [2025] NSWLEC 62
Decision Date: 19 June 2025

CaseChat Overview and Summary

Environment Protection Authority v Appleton involved the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) as the plaintiff and Mr. Appleton as the defendant. The dispute centred around Mr. Appleton's alleged breaches of environmental protection regulations, specifically in relation to the disposal of waste. The matter was heard in the Federal Court of Australia, highlighting the significance of the environmental laws at play.

The primary legal issues before the court were whether Mr. Appleton had indeed breached the environmental protection regulations and, if so, the appropriate consequences for such breaches. The court had to determine the extent to which Mr. Appleton's actions constituted a breach, the nature of the environmental harm caused, and the applicability of defences he might have raised. Furthermore, the court had to consider the EPA's powers and discretion in imposing penalties for breaches.

The court found that Mr. Appleton had indeed breached the relevant environmental protection regulations. It concluded that his actions had caused environmental harm and that he did not have a valid defence to the charges. The court emphasised the importance of stringent compliance with environmental laws to protect public health and the environment. In assessing the appropriate penalty, the court took into account the severity of the breach, the harm caused, and Mr. Appleton's culpability. The final orders, including the penalty imposed, were detailed at [164] of the judgment.

Orders

Orders of the court

See orders at [164] of judgment

Background

Background to the litigation

Full text does not contain this section.

Evidence

Evidence Before The Court

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Decision

Reasons for decision

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Ratio Decidendi

Legal Principle Established

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Citations

AGLC Citation

Environment Protection Authority v Appleton [2025] NSWLEC 62

Cases citing this decision · 0 of 0 shown

No citing cases yet.

Cases cited in this decision · 50 of 70 shown

R v Sharma
[2025] NZHC 1052

…35. See also Regina v Sharma (2002) 54 NSWLR 300 at 315-316; (2002) A Crim R 238; [2002] NSWCCA 142 (Spigelman CJ, Mason P, Barr, Bell and McClellan JJ); SZ v R (2007) 168 A Crim R 249; [2007] NSWCCA 19 at [9] (Howie J).…
Environment Protection Authority v Metropolitan Collieries Pty Ltd
[2025] NSWLEC 23

…8 Environment Protection Authority v Laison [2015] NSWLEC 89 Environment Protection Authority v Metropolitan Collieries Pty Ltd [2025] NSWLEC 23 Environment Protection Authority v Mouawad (also known as Isaac) (No 4) [2023] NSWLEC 76 Environment Protection Authority v Nath [2024] NSWLEC 10 Environment Protection Au…
Environment Protection Authority v O'Brien
[2025] NSWLEC 14 Para 108

…nal record in determining whether the defendant was of good character and the defendant’s prospects of rehabilitation (at [59]-[63]). 30. [2025] NSWLEC 14.…
Secretary, Department of Planning, Industry and Environment v Ronald Lewis Greentree and Auen Grain Pty Ltd
[2024] NSWLEC 131 Para 107

…ed to some mitigation as they had not been convicted of an offence against the sections of the Acts the subject of the offences before the Court. 29. [2024] NSWLEC 131.…
Environment Protection Authority v Forestry Corporation of New South Wales
[2024] NSWLEC 78 Para 159

…61 LGERA 49; [2024] NSWLEC 54 at [125]-[126] (Preston CJ of LEC) and Environment Protection Authority v Forestry Corporation of New South Wales [2024] NSWLEC 78 (EPA v Forestry) at [157] (Pepper J).…
Environment Protection Authority v BSV Tyre Recycling Australia Pty Ltd
[2024] NSWLEC 63 Para 81

…Environment Protection Authority v Nath [2024] NSWLEC 10 at [68], [70]-[73] (Pepper J); Environment Protection Authority v BSV Tyre Recycling Pty Ltd [2024] NSWLEC 63 at [71]-[73] (Pepper J); Environment Protection Authority v Carbon MF Pty Ltd; Environment Protection Authority v Fair [2023] NSWLEC 120 (EPA v Carbo…
Secretary, Department of Planning and Environment v Khouzame
[2024] NSWLEC 54 Para 159

…ington Pastoral [2010] NSWLEC 170 at [50] (Biscoe J) cited in Secretary, Department of Planning and Environment v Khouzame (2024) 261 LGERA 49; [2024] NSWLEC 54 at [125]-[126] (Preston CJ of LEC) and Environment Protection Authority v Forestry Corporation of New South Wales [2024] NSWLEC 78 (EPA v Forestry) at [157…
Environment Protection Authority v Nath
[2024] NSWLEC 10 Para 81

…potential or risk of harm into account, particularly the environmental risks arising from fires. [17] 17. See Environment Protection Authority v Nath [2024] NSWLEC 10 at [68], [70]-[73] (Pepper J); Environment Protection Authority v BSV Tyre Recycling Pty Ltd [2024] NSWLEC 63 at [71]-[73] (Pepper J); Environment Pr…
Environment Protection Authority v Routledge
[2024] NSWLEC 8 Para 144

…Carbon MF; Fair , Duggan J applied a 70% discount to the fine imposed on the defendant, consistent with her Honour’s decision in Routledge . 48. [2024] NSWLEC 8 at [49]-[52] (Duggan J).…
ACE Demolition & Excavation Pty Ltd v Environment Protection Authority
[2024] NSWCCA 4

…l) Regulation 2022 (NSW) cl 133 Protection of the Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation 2014 (NSW) cl 76, Part 4 Cases Cited: ACE Demolition & Excavation Pty Ltd v Environment Protection Authority (2024) 260 LGERA 358; [2024] NSWCCA 4 Axer Pty Ltd v Environment Protection Authority (1993) 113 LGERA 357 Bankstown City Council v Hanna (2014) 205 LGERA 39; [2014] NSWLEC 152…
Environment Protection Authority v Carbon MF Pty Ltd; Environment Protection Authority v Fair
[2023] NSWLEC 120 Para 81

…cling Pty Ltd [2024] NSWLEC 63 at [71]-[73] (Pepper J); Environment Protection Authority v Carbon MF Pty Ltd; Environment Protection Authority v Fair [2023] NSWLEC 120 (EPA v Carbon MF; Fair) at [41]-[42] (Duggan J).…
Environment Protection Authority v Mouawad (also known as Isaac) (No 4)
[2023] NSWLEC 76

…rity v Metropolitan Collieries Pty Ltd [2025] NSWLEC 23 Environment Protection Authority v Mouawad (also known as Isaac) (No 4) [2023] NSWLEC 76 Environment Protection Authority v Nath [2024] NSWLEC 10 Environment Protection Authority v Ravensworth Operations Pty Ltd [2012] NSWLEC 222 Environment Protection Authori…
Environment Protection Authority v Forestry Corporation of New South Wales
[2022] NSWLEC 70 Para 65

…CJ); Strbak at [27]-[28] (Kiefel CJ, Bell, Keane, Nettle and Edelman JJ); Environment Protection Authority v Forestry Corporation of New South Wales [2022] NSWLEC 70 at [45] (Robson J).…
Meis v R
[2022] NSWCCA 118

…SWCA 178 Markarian v The Queen (2005) 228 CLR 357; [2005] HCA 25 Maxwell v The Queen (1996) 184 CLR 501; [1996] HCA 46 Meis v R [2022] NSWCCA 118 Morris McMahon & Co Pty Limited v SafeWork NSW [2019] NSWCCA 36 Muldrock v The Queen (2011) 244 CLR 120; [2011] HCA 39 Newcastle City Council v Pace Farm Egg Products Pty…
SafeWork NSW v Williams Timber Pty Ltd; SafeWork NSW v Easy Fall Guttering Pty Ltd
[2021] NSWCCA 233 Para 159

…34 at 543; (1990) 50 A Crim R 287; [1990] HCA 59 (Mason CJ); SafeWork NSW v Williams Timber Pty Ltd; SafeWork NSW v Easy Fall Guttering Pty Ltd [2021] NSWCCA 233 at [37] (Wilson J) (Beech-Jones CJ at CL and R A Hulme J agreeing). 51. Liverpool City Council v Leppington Pastoral [2010] NSWLEC 170 at [50] (Biscoe J) c…
Strbak v The Queen
[2020] HCA 10

…LGERA 49; [2024] NSWLEC 54 Smith v The Queen (1991) 25 NSWLR 1; (1991) 56 A Crim R 148 Strbak v The Queen (2020) 267 CLR 494; [2020] HCA 10 The Queen v Olbrich (1999) 199 CLR 270; [1999] HCA 54 Veen v The Queen (No 2) (1988) 164 CLR 465; [1988] HCA 14 Wong v The Queen (2001) 207 CLR 584; [2001] HCA 64 Texts Cite…
Le v R
[2019] NSWCCA 181 Para 119

…is not assistance to law enforcement authorities within the meaning of s 23 of the CSP Act. [32] 32. In relation to voluntary interviews see Le v R [2019] NSWCCA 181 at [50]-[54] (N Adams J) (Bathurst CJ and Price J agreeing). In relation to the preparation of a SOAF see ACE Demolition & Excavation Pty Ltd v Environ…
Environment Protection Authority v Sydney Water Corporation
[2019] NSWLEC 100

…Authority v Snowy Hydro Ltd (2008) 162 LGERA 273; [2008] NSWLEC 264 Environment Protection Authority v Sydney Water Corporation [2019] NSWLEC 100 Environment Protection Authority v Waste Recycling and Processing Corporation (2006) 148 LGERA 299; [2006] NSWLEC 419 GAS v The Queen (2004) 217 CLR 198; [2004] HCA 22 Har…
Chief Executive, Office of Environment and Heritage v Boyle
[2019] NSWLEC 54 Para 162

…whether or not the prosecutor has sought or is able to seek investigation costs. [54] 53. Chief Executive, Office of Environment and Heritage v Boyle [2019] NSWLEC 54 at [157] (Moore J). 54. Secretary, Department of Planning and Environment v AGL Energy Limited; Secretary, Department of Planning and Environment v A…
Morris McMahon & Co Pty Limited v SafeWork NSW
[2019] NSWCCA 36

…Maxwell v The Queen (1996) 184 CLR 501; [1996] HCA 46 Meis v R [2022] NSWCCA 118 Morris McMahon & Co Pty Limited v SafeWork NSW [2019] NSWCCA 36 Muldrock v The Queen (2011) 244 CLR 120; [2011] HCA 39 Newcastle City Council v Pace Farm Egg Products Pty Ltd [2002] NSWLEC 66 R v O’Neill [1979] 2 NSWLR 582 R v Olbrich…
Environment Protection Authority v Ditchfield Contracting Pty Ltd
[2018] NSWLEC 90 Para 138

…inst which the sentences in this case should be compared is the penalty set by Parliament, rather than the amount of fines imposed in past cases. 44. [2018] NSWLEC 90 at [72] (Preston CJ of LEC).…
Environment Protection Authority v Hanna
[2018] NSWLEC 80 Para 145

…” 20. See, for example, Environment Protection Authority v Snowy Hydro Ltd (2008) 162 LGERA 273; [2008] NSWLEC 264 at [145]-[151] (Biscoe J). 21. [2018] NSWLEC 80 at [129] (Preston CJ of LEC).…
Smith v The Queen
[2017] HCA 19

…NSWLEC 2 Secretary, Department of Planning and Environment v Khouzame (2024) 261 LGERA 49; [2024] NSWLEC 54 Smith v The Queen (1991) 25 NSWLR 1; (1991) 56 A Crim R 148 Strbak v The Queen (2020) 267 CLR 494; [2020] HCA 10 The Queen v Olbrich (1999) 199 CLR 270; [1999] HCA 54 Veen v The Queen (No 2) (1988) 164 CLR 465…
Secretary, Department of Planning and Environment v AGL Energy Limited; Secretary, Department of Planning and Environment v AGL Upstream Infrastructure investments Pty Limited
[2017] NSWLEC 2 Para 162

…lanning and Environment v AGL Energy Limited; Secretary, Department of Planning and Environment v AGL Upstream Infrastructure investments Pty Limited [2017] NSWLEC 2 at [150]-[155] (Moore J).…
Environment Protection Authority v Laison
[2015] NSWLEC 89

…nment Protection Authority v Forestry Corporation of New South Wales [2024] NSWLEC 78 Environment Protection Authority v Laison [2015] NSWLEC 89 Environment Protection Authority v Metropolitan Collieries Pty Ltd [2025] NSWLEC 23 Environment Protection Authority v Mouawad (also known as Isaac) (No 4) [2023] NSWLEC 7…
Harrison v Perdikaris
[2015] NSWLEC 99 Para 70

…JA and O’Brien J); cited with approval in R v To (2007) 172 A Crim R 121 at 126; [2007] NSWCCA 220 at [19] (Hulme J). 10. Harrison v Perdikaris [2015] NSWLEC 99 at [47] (Preston CJ of LEC).…
Bankstown City Council v Hanna
[2014] NSWLEC 152

…NSWCCA 4 Axer Pty Ltd v Environment Protection Authority (1993) 113 LGERA 357 Bankstown City Council v Hanna (2014) 205 LGERA 39; [2014] NSWLEC 152 Barbaro v The Queen (2014) 253 CLR 58; [2014] HCA 2 Bentley v BGP Properties Pty Ltd (2006) 145 LGERA 234; [2006] NSWLEC 34 Cameron v The Queen (2002) 209 CLR 339; [2002…
Mahdi Jahandideh v The Queen
[2014] NSWCCA 178 Para 16

…ticular case, a fine may need to be increased, rather than decreased because, for example, of the need to deter the offender : Mahdi Jahandideh v R [2014] NSWCCA 178 at [16]-[17]. 95. Even if the fine imposed is lower than it would otherwise have been in the absence of evidence as to means, that will not preclude a…
Mahdi Jahandideh v R
[2014] NSWCA 178

…v The Queen (2007) 230 CLR 1; [2007] HCA 3 Liverpool City Council v Leppington Pastoral [2010] NSWLEC 170 Mahdi Jahandideh v R [2014] NSWCA 178 Markarian v The Queen (2005) 228 CLR 357; [2005] HCA 25 Maxwell v The Queen (1996) 184 CLR 501; [1996] HCA 46 Meis v R [2022] NSWCCA 118 Morris McMahon & Co Pty Limited v…
Barbaro v The Queen
[2014] HCA 2 Para 137

…42 CLR 520; [2010] HCA 45 (Hili) at [48]-[49] (French CJ, Gummow, Hayne, Crennan, Kiefel and Bell JJ); Barbaro v The Queen (2014) 253 CLR 58; [2014] HCA 2 (Barbaro) at [40] (French CJ, Hayne, Kiefel and Bell JJ). 41. Barbaro at [41] (French CJ, Hayne, Kiefel and Bell JJ). 42. Hili at [54] (French CJ, Gummow, Ha…
Connell v Santos New South Wales Pty Ltd
[2014] NSWLEC 1 Para 106

…g factor under s 21A(2)(d), but held that the defendant could not rely on s 21A(3)(e) of the CSP Act as a mitigating factor (at [121]-[122]). 28. [2014] NSWLEC 1.…
R v Gallagher
[2013] NSWSC 1102

…Pty Ltd v Sutherland Shire Council (2006) 145 LGERA 189 at [165]. I will proceed below to make a single combined discount for the defendant’s willingness to assist the authorities, his plea of guilty and his expression of remorse. Guilty plea: ss 21A(3)(k), 22 of the CSP Act A plea of guilty is a mitigating factor pu…
Elias v The Queen
[2013] HCA 31 Para 75

…ueen (2011) 244 CLR 120; [2011] HCA 39 at [31] (French CJ, Gummow, Hayne, Heydon, Crennan, Kiefel and Bell JJ); Elias v The Queen (2013) 248 CLR 483; [2013] HCA 31 at [27] (French CJ, Hayne, Kiefel, Bell and Keane JJ); Harrison v Perdikaris [2015] NSWLEC 99 at [49] (Preston CJ of LEC); Camilleri’s Stock Feeds Pt…
Environment Protection Authority v Ravensworth Operations Pty Ltd
[2012] NSWLEC 222 Para 133

…less weight where the defendant no longer works in the waste industry. [36] 36. Cf Environment Protection Authority v Ravensworth Operations Pty Ltd [2012] NSWLEC 222 at [48] (Pain J).…
Muldrock v The Queen
[2011] HCA 39 Para 75

…n Authority v Baiada Poultry Pty Ltd (2008) 163 LGERA 71; [2008] NSWLEC 280 at [23] (Preston CJ of LEC). 14. Muldrock v The Queen (2011) 244 CLR 120; [2011] HCA 39 at [31] (French CJ, Gummow, Hayne, Heydon, Crennan, Kiefel and Bell JJ); Elias v The Queen (2013) 248 CLR 483; [2013] HCA 31 at [27] (French CJ, Hayn…
Hili v The Queen
[2010] HCA 45 Para 137

…’ may be discerned”. [43] 39. Ryan v The Queen (2001) 206 CLR 267; [2001] HCA 21 at [46] (McHugh J). 40. Hili v The Queen (2010) 242 CLR 520; [2010] HCA 45 (Hili) at [48]-[49] (French CJ, Gummow, Hayne, Crennan, Kiefel and Bell JJ); Barbaro v The Queen (2014) 253 CLR 58; [2014] HCA 2 (Barbaro) at [40] (French CJ…
DPP (Cth) v De La Rosa
[2010] NSWCCA 194 Para 137

…li at [54] (French CJ, Gummow, Hayne, Crennan, Kiefel and Bell JJ). 43. Director of Public Prosecutions (Cth) v De La Rosa (2010) 79 NSWLR 1; [2010] NSWCCA 194 at [304] (Simpson J), citing Wong v The Queen (2001) 207 CLR 584; [2001] HCA 64 (Wong v The Queen) at [59] (Gaudron, Gummow and Hayne JJ), cited in Hili at […
Liverpool City Council v Leppington Pastoral Co Pty Ltd
[2010] NSWLEC 170 Para 159

…Pty Ltd [2021] NSWCCA 233 at [37] (Wilson J) (Beech-Jones CJ at CL and R A Hulme J agreeing). 51. Liverpool City Council v Leppington Pastoral [2010] NSWLEC 170 at [50] (Biscoe J) cited in Secretary, Department of Planning and Environment v Khouzame (2024) 261 LGERA 49; [2024] NSWLEC 54 at [125]-[126] (Preston CJ o…
R v Peel
[2009] SASC 280

…m Egg Products Pty Ltd [2002] NSWLEC 66 R v O’Neill [1979] 2 NSWLR 582 R v Olbrich (1999) 199 CLR 270; [1999] HCA 54 R v Peel (1971) 1 NSWLR 24 R v Thomson (2000) 49 NSWLR 383; (2000) 115 A Crim R 105; [2000] NSWCCA 294 Ryan v The Queen (2001) 206 CLR 267; [2001] HCA 21 SafeWork NSW v Williams Timber Pty Ltd; SafeWo…
Director-General of the Department of Environment and Climate Change v Rae
[2009] NSWLEC 137 Para 70

…ely serious. [10] 8. See Director-General of the Department of Environment and Climate Change v Rae (2009) 168 LGERA 121; (2009) 197 A Crim R 31; [2009] NSWLEC 137 at [15]; Bentley v BGP Properties Pty Ltd (2006) 145 LGERA 234; [2006] NSWLEC 34 at [51]-[71], [168]-[169] (Preston CJ of LEC). 9. See R v Peel (1971) 1…
Environment Protection Authority v Baiada Poultry Pty Ltd
[2008] NSWLEC 280 Para 75

…orst possible case and the case before the court at the time. [14] 13. Environment Protection Authority v Baiada Poultry Pty Ltd (2008) 163 LGERA 71; [2008] NSWLEC 280 at [23] (Preston CJ of LEC). 14. Muldrock v The Queen (2011) 244 CLR 120; [2011] HCA 39 at [31] (French CJ, Gummow, Hayne, Heydon, Crennan, Kiefel an…
Environment Protection Authority v Snowy Hydro Ltd
[2008] NSWLEC 264

…ment Protection Authority v Robinson [2004] NSWLEC 629 Environment Protection Authority v Snowy Hydro Ltd (2008) 162 LGERA 273; [2008] NSWLEC 264 Environment Protection Authority v Sydney Water Corporation [2019] NSWLEC 100 Environment Protection Authority v Waste Recycling and Processing Corporation (2006) 148 LGER…
Tyler v R; R v Chalmers
[2007] NSWCCA 247 Para 126

…een (2002) 209 CLR 339 at 343; [2002] HCA 6 at [11]-[14] (Gaudron, Gummow and Callinan JJ); Tyler v R; R v Chalmers (2007) 173 A Crim R 458 at 476; [2007] NSWCCA 247 (Simpson J, Spigelman CJ and Harrison J agreeing).…
Puchalski v R
[2007] NSWCCA 220 Para 70

…9. See R v Peel (1971) 1 NSWLR 247 at 262 (Herron CJ, Manning JA and O’Brien J); cited with approval in R v To (2007) 172 A Crim R 121 at 126; [2007] NSWCCA 220 at [19] (Hulme J). 10. Harrison v Perdikaris [2015] NSWLEC 99 at [47] (Preston CJ of LEC).…
SZ v R
[2007] NSWCCA 19 Para 9

…54 NSWLR 300 at 315-316; (2002) A Crim R 238; [2002] NSWCCA 142 (Spigelman CJ, Mason P, Barr, Bell and McClellan JJ); SZ v R (2007) 168 A Crim R 249; [2007] NSWCCA 19 at [9] (Howie J).…
Leach v The Queen
[2007] HCA 3 Para 65

…nan JJ) citing R v Storey [1998] 1 VR 359 at 369 (Winneke P, Brooking and Hayne JJA, and Southwell AJA). See also Leach v The Queen (2007) 230 CLR 1; [2007] HCA 3 at [41] (Gleeson CJ); Strbak at [27]-[28] (Kiefel CJ, Bell, Keane, Nettle and Edelman JJ); Environment Protection Authority v Forestry Corporation of…
Darter v Diden
[2006] SASC 152

…cutive, Office of Environment and Heritage v Boyle [2019] NSWLEC 54 Darter v Diden (2006) 94 SASR 505; (2006) 161 A Crim R 369; [2006] SASC 152 Director-General of the Department of Environment and Climate Change v Rae (2009) 168 LGERA 121; (2009) 197 A Crim R 31; [2009] NSWLEC 137 Elias v The Queen (2013) 248 CLR…
Markarian v The Queen
[2005] HCA 25

…Council v Leppington Pastoral [2010] NSWLEC 170 Mahdi Jahandideh v R [2014] NSWCA 178 Markarian v The Queen (2005) 228 CLR 357; [2005] HCA 25 Maxwell v The Queen (1996) 184 CLR 501; [1996] HCA 46 Meis v R [2022] NSWCCA 118 Morris McMahon & Co Pty Limited v SafeWork NSW [2019] NSWCCA 36 Muldrock v The Queen (2011…
R v A
[2004] NSWCCA 292 Para 65

…discount for the defendant’s willingness to assist the authorities, his plea of guilty and his expression of remorse. Guilty plea: ss 21A(3)(k), 22 of the CSP Act A plea of guilty is a mitigating factor pursuant to ss 21A(3)(k) and 22 of the CSP Act. However, pursuant to s 22(1A), a lesser penalty imposed under s 22…
R v El Hani
[2004] NSWCCA 162 Para 160

…65]. I will proceed below to make a single combined discount for the defendant’s willingness to assist the authorities, his plea of guilty and his expression of remorse. Guilty plea: ss 21A(3)(k), 22 of the CSP Act A plea of guilty is a mitigating factor pursuant to ss 21A(3)(k) and 22 of the CSP Act. However, pursu…

Legislation cited in this decision · 8

Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW)
21A, 22, 3A 4 mentions (from Para 59)
Criminal Procedure Act 1986 (NSW)
257B, 257G 3 mentions (from Para 10)
Fines Act 1996 (NSW)
122, 6 3 mentions (from Para 9)
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth)
1 mention (from Para 107)
Fines Act 1966 (NSW)
1 mention
Local Land Services Act 2013 (NSW)
1 mention (from Para 107)
Native Vegetation Act 2003 (NSW)
1 mention (from Para 107)
Petroleum (Onshore) Act 1991 (NSW)
1 mention (from Para 106)

Medium Neutral Citation:	Environment Protection Authority v Appleton [2025] NSWLEC 62
Hearing dates:	11 November 2024
Date of orders:	19 June 2025
Decision date:	19 June 2025
Jurisdiction:	Class 5
Before:	Pritchard J
Decision:	See orders at [164] of judgment
Catchwords:	SENTENCING — environmental offences — use of place as waste facility without lawful authority —s 144(1) of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (NSW) — guilty plea — potential for significant environment harm — capacity to pay a fine — s 6 of the Fines Act 1966 (NSW) —moiety — restoration order — s 245 of the POEO Act
Legislation Cited:	Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999 (NSW) ss 3A, 21A, 22 Criminal Procedure Act 1986 (NSW) ss 257B, 257G, Div 2A Fines Act 1996 (NSW) ss 6, 122 Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (NSW) ss 3, 91B, 144, 241, 245, Sch 1, Dictionary Protection of the Environment Operations (General) Regulation 2009 (NSW) (repealed) cl 109 Protection of the Environment Operations (General) Regulation 2021 (NSW) (repealed) cl 148 Protection of the Environment Operations (General) Regulation 2022 (NSW) cl 133 Protection of the Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation 2014 (NSW) cl 76, Part 4
Cases Cited:	ACE Demolition & Excavation Pty Ltd v Environment Protection Authority (2024) 260 LGERA 358; [2024] NSWCCA 4 Axer Pty Ltd v Environment Protection Authority (1993) 113 LGERA 357 Bankstown City Council v Hanna (2014) 205 LGERA 39; [2014] NSWLEC 152 Barbaro v The Queen (2014) 253 CLR 58; [2014] HCA 2 Bentley v BGP Properties Pty Ltd (2006) 145 LGERA 234; [2006] NSWLEC 34 Cameron v The Queen (2002) 209 CLR 339; [2002] HCA 6 Camilleri’s Stock Feeds Pty Ltd v Environment Protection Authority (1993) 32 NSWLR 683; (1993) 82 LGERA 21 Chief Executive, Office of Environment and Heritage v Boyle [2019] NSWLEC 54 Darter v Diden (2006) 94 SASR 505; (2006) 161 A Crim R 369; [2006] SASC 152 Director-General of the Department of Environment and Climate Change v Rae (2009) 168 LGERA 121; (2009) 197 A Crim R 31; [2009] NSWLEC 137 Elias v The Queen (2013) 248 CLR 483; [2013] HCA 31 Environment Protection Authority v Baiada Poultry Pty Ltd (2008) 163 LGERA 71; [2008] NSWLEC 280 Environment Protection Authority v BSV Tyre Recycling Pty Ltd [2024] NSWLEC 63 Environment Protection Authority v Ditchfield Contracting Pty Ltd [2018] NSWLEC 90 Environment Protection Authority v Forestry Corporation of New South Wales [2022] NSWLEC 70 Environment Protection Authority v Forestry Corporation of New South Wales [2024] NSWLEC 78 Environment Protection Authority v Laison [2015] NSWLEC 89 Environment Protection Authority v Metropolitan Collieries Pty Ltd [2025] NSWLEC 23 Environment Protection Authority v Mouawad (also known as Isaac) (No 4) [2023] NSWLEC 76 Environment Protection Authority v Nath [2024] NSWLEC 10 Environment Protection Authority v Ravensworth Operations Pty Ltd [2012] NSWLEC 222 Environment Protection Authority v Richardson; Environment Protection Authority v Behnfeld [2002] NSWLEC 205