A SOUTH-WEST earthmoving contractor has been convicted and ordered to pay nearly $22,000 for the illegal removal of mature Eucalyptus trees in the Annya State Forest, near Heywood, in 2021.

Hollyrock Hire was found guilty of cutting down the Eucalyptus trees from a state forest without a licence or permit under the Forests Act 1958, and disturbing wildlife habitat under the Wildlife Regulations 2013.