STIRLING Mayor David Boothman said a court decision to fine two women who have been camping illegally on their own land in Inglewood would bring the city a step closer to forcing the sale of their property.
Last Thursday, Ursula and Tatyana Deuschen were fined $272,300 for contravening the health act as well as caravan parks and camping grounds regulations. In Australia, it is illegal to camp on land in the metropolitan area.
Cr Boothman said the issue had been a long drawn out process for all involved.
He said the women had returned to the site and continued to camp illegally, feed birds and collect rubbish and cats despite State Administrative Tribunal orders.
“The City will continue to progress the forced sale of the property through the provisions of the Health Act and will be exploring other opportunities to prevent the Deuschens from camping on the land.
He said the process could take up to two years and while it was not guaranteed to work, it was the best option.
“While we continue to prosecute we can only act within the powers granted to Local Government,” he said.