A Heathridge man has been fined in Joondalup Magistrates Court for illegally driving on Mindarie Bush Forever grounds

A Heathridge man has to pay $1,000 after being caught illegally driving a vehicle on protected state land in Mindarie.

The 50-year-old appeared at Joondalup Magistrates Court earlier this month, where he pleaded guilty to driving on state land at Marmion Avenue and failing to follow signage.

In the December incident, the man drove past a large surveillance camera and a sign saying vehicle access was off, but continued to the property.

This property is a Bush Forever site and is home to endangered flora and fauna.

A statement from the Department for Planning, Land and Heritage said vehicular access to this land “could have significant impacts, including erosion of fire trails, introduction of invasive weeds and plants, and impact on habitat.”

“It also increases the prevalence of landfill and fires,” the statement said.

“Tackling these issues has significant safety, environmental and financial implications and can be significantly reduced if people follow signage and stay away from areas where access is prohibited.

“The department recognizes the importance of the court’s decision and hopes it will deter others from illegally entering protected bushland managed by the state government.”

The man was fined $500 and ordered to pay $500 in costs and was ordered to have a spent conviction.