A COURT has ordered a man to pay $66,000 for leaving a trail of boats illegally moored on Lake Macquarie and other NSW waterways.
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Magistrate Peter Barnett at Belmont Local Court told the 56-year-old man NSW taxpayers were not there to fund his business.
The court heard the man had a long history of keeping boats in a poor condition and attempting to sell them via online sale websites.
Over six months this year, he bought 14 vessels, two of which sank and a further six were seized by the state government to prevent them sinking or causing pollution hazards, a spokesperson for Roads and Maritime Services said.
"He has repeatedly ignored official notices to remove boats which he has left illegally moored on Sydney Harbour, Lake Macquarie, the Hunter River, and in Camden Haven at Laurieton."
The man was unrepresented and declined assistance in court from Legal Aid NSW, the spokesperson said.
He pleaded guilty to 12 charges for failing to comply with notices to remove the eight vessels, and occupying a mooring without a licence.
NSW Maritime executive director Mark Hutchings said it cost NSW taxpayers $45,000 to tow, salvage, store and dispose of the eight vessels which were left illegally on other people's moorings and emergency moorings, often blocking a waterway or partially sinking leading to environmental concerns.
"It's a lesson to all boaties to follow the rules which are there for the benefit of all water users and also a reminder that a $250 fine for a vessel obstructing a mooring can reach up to $5500 once a matter is being considered by a court," Mr Hutchings said.
