By Jeremy Cook
Allegations of illegal land clearing in the Granite Belt are under investigation, authorities have confirmed.
In footage shared with Warwick Stanthorpe Today, an excavator can be seen clearing trees from around a road reserve located along the New South Wales and Queensland border in Sugarloaf.
The unpaved road acts as a buffer between the two states and includes vegetation considered “endangered” and “of concern” under Queensland’s State Planning Policy.
In correspondence seen by this masthead, officers with Southern Downs Regional Council, who control the road, confirmed no permits had been issued to clear land along the border.
A council spokeswoman said a complaint lodged with the council had been referred to the state government.
“Council has undertaken an initial investigation and referred the matter to the appropriate state government departments,” the spokeswoman said.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Resources confirmed investigations into the alleged activity were underway, but declined to comment further.
“The department is investigating reports of alleged clearing in Sugarloaf,” the spokeswoman said.
“It would be inappropriate to comment further.”
