DPIPWE investigation

Derwent Valley Council has been advised that the investigation by DPIPWE into the poisoning of the birdlife at Tynwald Park in June 2019 has now concluded.

Council has today been issued with a letter stating that neither DVC nor any of its employees were found to have breached any legislation. However, Council has been advised to ensure appropriate permits and authorities are in place when engaging contractors to take on any work on Council’s behalf.

The letter states “there was no supporting evidence that employees of the Derwent Valley Council were directly involved in any breaches of the above (Agricultural and Veterinary Chemical (Control of Use) Act 1995, Wildlife Regulations 2010) legislation and, as such Biosecurity Tasmania will not be proceeding with any charges against any individual employee or the Derwent Valley Council as a corporation”.

Mayor Ben Shaw says that Council will address their own Independent Report in the March Ordinary Council Meeting.

“In relation to the Independent Investigation Report Council commissioned into the practices that allowed this to come about, I have instructed the Acting General Manager to table a report at the next Council Meeting for consideration of the elected Council.”

It is understood that the contractor Council engaged will be formally charged in relation to their actions. Whilst this is a legal matter, Council cannot comment any further.

For further information in relation to this investigation or resulting report, please contact DPIPWE directly on (03) 6165 3777.