Fines have been issued and people received warnings during a crackdown on vehicle offences and other compliance issues in the region's national parks and State forests.
In response to local community concerns around illegal motorbike usage, from the noise nuisance to environmental damage, rangers conducted targeted compliance operations.
Senior Ranger Greg reiterates that people should not think they can break laws including the road rules just because they have entered a State forest or national park.
The public are advised that they are responsible for their conduct.
"We will take appropriate compliance and enforcement action to any illegal and unsafe activities within Queensland's protected areas," Ranger Greg said.
"If you wouldn't do it in the middle of Stanthorpe or the local botanic gardens don't do it in a national park or State forest.
"Our number one priority is the safety of visitors and staff working on our protected areas, and to ensure all visitors can enjoy these natural spaces safely.
"Illegal riding of motorbikes not only endangers riders but also threatens the safety of visitors, our staff, wildlife, and the environment.
Rangers engaged with a number of people in Broadwater State Forest, Main Range National Park, Durikai State Forest and Girraween National Park in relation to unlawful camping, fossicking and other illegal conduct.
A 56-year-old Stanthorpe man was fined $1288 after he and his teenage son were found riding motorbikes in an area closed to all motorised vehicles. Concerningly, the teenager was riding an unregistered motorbike and due to his age didn't hold a driver's licence.
The operation also resulted in fines being issued for camping and fossicking offences, including:
- 1x $322 fine issued at Main Range National Park after a group of 4 were found camping, despite only purchasing a single person camping permit.
- 1x $483 fine issued for a person fossicking at without a valid fossicking licence.
Rangers are reminding all visitors that a fossicking licence for an individual currently costs $9.33 per month, and a camping permit currently costs just $7.25 per person per night with children under the age of five staying for free.
"We encourage the community to report any illegal activity to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service or local police."
