A Wyndham Vale man has lost a three-year legal battle with Wyndham council over illegal alterations to public property near his Bailey’s Beach boat shed.
Frank Grima, 60, was fined $30,000 last Wednesday and ordered to pay the council’s legal fees of $50,000, after he pleaded guilty in the Melbourne Magistrate’s Court to two charges of carrying out works without a permit.
The long-running saga began in 2013 when Wyndham council charged Mr Grima with several planning breaches after he removed a rock barrier, which had been installed by the council to prevent rubbish being dumped, and he installed a gate that blocked people from accessing Werribee South beach.
He also built a personal boat ramp, and employed contractors to pave the road leading up to it.
Mr Grima said he had to sell his Staughton Vale home, car and boat to afford the legal battle, which he says cost him $100,000.
Wyndham council city transformation director Steve Lambert said he was pleased that the court “ruled in favour of commonsense”.
“This ruling not only justifies Wyndham’s position in relation to this matter but, more importantly, sends a message that individuals cannot treat public land like their own backyard, at the expense of the broader community’s enjoyment,” Mr Lambert said.
“While we are pleased that this matter has finally been dealt with … we are disappointed that Mr Grima attempted to frustrate the court process, with a view to dragging the matter out to avoid prosecution.
“Council had attempted to settle this matter previously, but Mr Grima refused.
“He is now paying the price.”
But instead of going away, Mr Grima says he will now throw his hat in the ring as an independent candidate in the Harrison ward elections at next month’s Wyndham council poll.
“I have been a victim of an extremely poor process of Wyndham council governance,” Mr Grima said.
“There are many residents of Wyndham who may face similar situations.
“And I would like to protect ratepayers’ precious money, which should not be wasted on future long, drawn out court cases.”
