Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers have issued more than a dozen fines to motorbike riders and visitors caught breaking the law during a joint blitz with the Queensland Police Service in national parks and State forests across the Lockyer Valley, Ravensbourne and Crows Nest districts.
Between 20 May and 21 May 2023, rangers and police from Forest Hill Major and Organised Crime Squad (MOCS) Rural carried out vehicle-based patrols across Lockyer and Deongwar State Forests, Lockyer National Park and Crows Nest National Park.
As a result, 14 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINS) were issued for offences including unlicensed or unregistered motorbike riding, entry into restricted areas and fossicking without authority, resulting in a total of $5,026 worth of fines.
Senior Ranger Compliance Luke Male said these types of offences were not only dangerous but cause environmental damage.
"While we are thankful for the majority of visitors doing the right thing within our protected areas, it is frustrating that we continue to see people taking unnecessary risks and disrespecting our parks and forests," Ranger Male said.
"Too often we are seeing unlicensed or unregistered motorbike riders, and riders leaving the designated tracks which causes erosion.
"We also continue to see visitors entering the restricted water hole within Crows Nest National Park, despite the known dangers of that site.
"Whether it's to protect the environment or valuable timber assets, or to keep you safe, these laws are in place for good reason and it's not hard to do the right thing."
Ranger Male said QPWS regularly worked with the Queensland Police Service to carry out joint patrols and compliance operations.
"Visitors to our parks and forests should expect to see authorities anytime, anywhere - whether that's rangers, police or both," he said.
"Rangers and police want the same thing – for everyone visiting national parks and State forests to have a safe, enjoyable experience. We won't hesitate to issue these hefty on-the-spot fines to those caught breaking the law on park."
Anyone with information about illegal activities in our national parks and State forests can report it anonymously by calling 1300 130 372.
PINS issued include:
20 May 2023
- Lockyer National Park:
- 4x PINS issued under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NCA) for failure of operator of vehicle to comply with sign of marking. $287.00/PIN
- Lockyer State Forest:
- 2x PINS issued under the Forestry Act (FA) for unregistered operation of a vehicle. $287.00/PIN
- 1x PINs issued under the FA for unlicensed operation of a vehicle. $287.00/PIN
Sunday 21 May 2023
- Deongwar State Forest
- 3x PINs issued under the FA for searching for minerals without authority. $431.00/PIN
- 1x PIN issued under the FA for unregistered operation of a vehicle. 1x $287.00/PIN
- 1x PIN issued under the FA for unlicensed operation of a vehicle. $287.00/PIN
- Crows Nest National Park
- 2x PINs issued under the NCA for entering an area closed to the public. $575/PIN
