### Southern Highlands Property Owner Fined for Illegal Tree Removal and Asbestos Dumping
The owner of a Southern Highlands property, who illegally cleared five hectares of native trees, has been identified as Chaza Khouzame. She is married to George Khouzame, a deregistered builder responsible for the collapse of a Condell Park home last year. George Khouzame is now facing prosecution for misleading authorities about 10 tonnes of asbestos-laden construction waste found on the rural site.
Chaza Khouzame was fined $135,000 last week for the illegal tree removal. Her husband, George, pleaded guilty in May to nine counts of fraud and using unlicensed contractors. This follows a government investigation into his company, Hemisphere Constructions, after the Condell Park home collapse.
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is conducting a lengthy investigation into the Canyonleigh property registered in Chaza Khouzame’s name. The EPA alleges that the property was used to store over 10 tonnes of construction waste, including asbestos.
#### Asbestos Found on Cleared Land
The EPA was alerted to the alleged transportation and land application of fill material to the Canyonleigh site in November 2022. During an inspection, EPA officers observed waste applied to the land, estimating it to be over 10 tonnes. They collected six fragments of suspected asbestos-containing material.
Despite being asked to submit a report on asbestos contamination, Chaza Khouzame’s initial submission in May 2023 was deemed insufficient by the EPA. She was given an extension in August to remove the waste by the end of September. However, further testing in December revealed more asbestos, and she was instructed to remove it by February. It remains unclear if she has complied.
#### Hemisphere Constructions Involvement
Hemisphere Constructions, where George Khouzame was the sole director before its building license was canceled, was active on the site during the tree removal period. Photos from July 2021 show a demountable shed with the Hemisphere Constructions logo on the property. Bulldozers and other heavy machinery were also present.
Local residents reported seeing the Khouzames on the property frequently and raised concerns about dust from the site contaminating their homes. The EPA has launched legal action against George Khouzame for allegedly providing false information about the waste.
#### Legal Proceedings and Personal Struggles
George Khouzame is set to appear in court on June 12 for charges related to providing false information to the EPA. This follows his recent guilty plea to multiple charges, including publishing misleading material and engaging unlicensed contractors.
In court, Chaza Khouzame described her financial struggles and marital difficulties, which limited her financial support from her husband. She claimed to be behind on home loan repayments and used proceeds from selling the Canyonleigh property to catch up.
Despite these claims, Chief Justice Brian Preston did not reduce her fine due to insufficient evidence of financial hardship. The Khouzames have not responded to multiple requests for comment.
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