| Date of offence or contravention | 23 August 2024 |
|---|---|
| Type of offence or contravention | Depositing industrial waste at a place without authorisation at Meredith on 23 August 2024, contrary to section 133(1). |
| Background of offence or contravention | In May 2024, following the detection of avian influenza at its egg production farm in Meredith, Avgo Pty Ltd was placed under quarantine by Agriculture Victoria, restricting the movement of livestock, products, equipment and waste from the property. Cardboard waste on the premises, including boxes and egg cartons, was classified as quarantine and biosecurity waste and could not be removed without authorised disposal arrangements. In August 2024, Agriculture Victoria observed a fire on the property and identified that cardboard waste had been burnt. EPA subsequently investigated the incident. Avgo advised that the cardboard originated on-site and was burnt due to fire and rodent concerns, while Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) confirmed that arrangements were already in place for disposal of the waste at a licensed facility. Avgo cooperated with the investigation and had no prior criminal history. |
| Date of court hearing | 7 May 2026 |
| Date of court order | 7 May 2026 |
| Judicial officer | Magistrate Holzer |
| Court and location | Geelong Magistrates' Court |
| Proceeding number | R12362963 |
Court orders made
Without conviction, fined $7,000 and ordered to pay EPA costs of $7,145.
Updated