Hillbille Wines sues Forest Products Commission over smoke taint from Lewana bushfire

A winery owner is suing a West Australian Government agency and its contractor for more than $500,000 over damage to its vintage caused by a devastating fire it says started on a government-owned timber planation.

The fire in February 2019, is believed to have started on the government-owned Lewana pine plantation between Nannup and Balingup about two hours south of Perth, and burned more than 3,000 hectares, for three days, and escaped on to neighbouring properties.

Hillbille Wines owner Lloyd Douglas lodged a formal writ yesterday in the WA District Court on Tuesday seeking more than $500,000, for damage caused by fire and smoke to his wine grapes and property.

His lawyers alleged the Forest Products Commission and its…