The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has concluded investigations into an illegal landfill operation on rural residential land at Tugrah, south of Devonport, following a successful prosecution in the Devonport Magistrates Court.
The EPA commenced investigations after receiving a complaint in April 2021 alleging an unauthorised waste depot was operating on the property. Preliminary investigations confirmed the presence of significant quantities of waste on the land, including demolition material, green waste, car bodies, bitumen emulsion, and large volumes of used fabricated steel fencing and white goods.
The EPA confirmed that no authorisations were in place under the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 (EPMCA) or the Environmental Management and Pollution Control (Waste Management) Regulations 2020 to accept, store, treat, remove, or dispose of waste on the land.
EPA officers attended the site in May 2021 and observed disturbed earth and excavated areas consistent with landfill activity, along with both general and controlled waste. As a result of these findings, the EPA issued an Environmental Protection Notice (EPN) in July 2021, requiring the landowners to immediately cease waste acceptance and related operations.
On-site investigations were undertaken to identify evidence of environmental offences and to determine the level and extent of contamination to land and groundwater, as well as any necessary remedial actions.
On 22 December 2025, landowners Craig and Tracie Nielsen were found guilty in the Devonport Magistrates Court on all complaints, including offences relating to unlawful waste storage and disposal and the creation of environmental nuisance that adversely impacted neighbours. At sentencing, Mr Nielsen was fined $6,000 for his primary role in the offending, and Ms Nielsen was fined $2,000.
EPA CEO, Catherine Murdoch said landowners and operators are reminded that the unlawful disposal and storage of waste poses serious risks to the environment and human health and that appropriate approvals are required for all waste-related activities.
“The EPA will continue to investigate and take enforcement action where non-compliance with Tasmania's environmental legislation is identified, and we encourage members of the public to report all suspected illegal waste activity to the EPA," said Ms Murdoch.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected illegal waste activity by calling the EPA's 24-hour Pollution Incidents and Complaints Hotline on 1800 005 171 or by visiting the Report Rubbish web application at https://rubbish.epa.tas.gov.au/.
Published on:
10/02/2026