A Queensland demolition company and its director have been fined more than $500,000 for illegally dumping toxic waste, including asbestos, near residential areas.
DESI investigated Asbestos Demolition Specialists in 2020 after finding large amounts of asbestos waste at a property south of Brisbane, near water sources and homes. Despite multiple orders to stop, the company continued disposing and receiving waste.
The company pleaded guilty to nine offences under the Environmental Protection Act, including contravening protection orders and causing material harm. It was fined $400,000 plus a $75,000 licence fee. Director Anthony Palmer pleaded guilty to the company’s failures, fined $100,000 and given a nine-month suspended sentence. Both were ordered to pay legal costs and restore impacted land.
