What’s Happening?
The National Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued its first Environment Protection Order (EPO) to Wombinoo Station in North Queensland. The order aims to prevent further land clearing that could harm the Great Barrier Reef.
The order applies to land within the Great Barrier Reef catchment, south of Cairns. Meanwhile, the National EPA continues to investigate the original clearing, which occurred in 2025.
Why It Matters
Fine sediment poses a significant threat to the Great Barrier Reef. Hydrological evidence indicates that further clearing at Wombinoo Station could allow sediment to enter the Reef each year.
National EPA Head of Compliance and Enforcement Dani Yannopoulos said the order addresses the risk of additional environmental harm.
“This EPO has been issued to address the risk of further harm through unauthorised land clearing near a waterway leading to the Great Barrier Reef. The new power to issue an EPO allows us to act quickly and decisively to prevent environmental harm”
Local Impact
The order focuses on land within the Great Barrier Reef catchment, where further clearing could affect waterways leading to the Reef.
The National EPA’s action aims to prevent additional sediment from entering the marine environment. It also highlights the federal protections that apply to land clearing within the Reef catchment.
By The Numbers
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1,600 hectares of land at Wombinoo Station are subject to the order preventing further clearing works.
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More than 1,000 tonnes of fine sediment could enter the Great Barrier Reef annually if further clearing occurs, according to hydrological evidence.
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14 days is the initial duration of an Environment Protection Order, with a possible extension of up to another 14 days.
Zoom In
The order prevents further clearing activities, including removing felled trees and burning vegetation.
The National EPA received its new EPO powers on 24 August 2026 through Australian Government environmental protection reforms. Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, these orders can prevent serious damage to protected environmental matters.
Zoom Out
The order marks the first use of a new environmental protection power introduced through federal reforms.
Yannopoulos said the National EPA would take action against significant breaches of environmental law.
“The National EPA will take strong action where there is knowing, wilful or significant environmental damage caused by breaches of the EPBC Act. Federal laws provide special protections for the environment and habitats in the Great Barrier Reef catchment area because the reef is such an important and iconic natural asset for Australia.”
What To Look For Next?
The National EPA’s investigation into the original clearing remains active. Depending on its findings, the agency may request a formal environmental referral or seek a court injunction.
If investigators establish unlawful clearing, potential consequences include civil penalties of up to $1.82 million for individuals and $18.2 million for corporations. Criminal penalties may also include imprisonment of up to seven years.
Other enforcement options include remediation determinations and enforceable undertakings.
