An offence of clearing approximately 215 hectares of native vegetation, committed deliberately with knowledge of illegality and for commercial gain, causing high environmental harm to endangered woodland communities and threatened species habitat, is of medium objective gravity warranting a fine of $200,000 before discount. A 20% discount (rather than the maximum 25%) is appropriate where the guilty plea is delayed by 16 weeks from the first return of the summons. Penalties for native vegetation clearing offences must be of sufficient magnitude to outweigh the commercial gain from offending, so that compliance becomes cheaper than offending.
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