Developer Charged With Illegal Heritage Demolition

The developers involved in the demolition of a heritage listed property in far North Queensland could be fined hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The Cairns Regional Council says it has decided to pursue the matter against Eldav Pty Limited, according to a report on Australian Associated Press.

Eldav, which allegedly started dismantling the heritage listed Rex Theatre without approval in September last year, has been charged with carrying out the demolition without permission, failing to comply with an enforcement notice and contravening a development approval.

If found guilty, the company could be fined up to $165,000 for each charge.

Cairns Heritage Society secretary Dr. Dawn May says she is pleased that those involved will be prosecuted, saying developers should not be allowed to get away with demolishing buildings ‘as they please.’