Following recent incidents of vandalism in Tewantin National Park, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers are asking people visiting to respect and follow the rules in place.
Incidents include:
- Gates and fencing that have been cut through to allow people to drive into the national park,
- Signs vandalised
- Multiple trees have been cut down to enable access and
- Damage to cameras placed to monitor visitor behaviour.
Formerly known as Yurol State Forest and Ringtail Creek State Forest, this section of Tewantin National Park was gazetted in 2023 due to its outstanding natural and cultural values.
Rangers have primarily taken an educational approach with visitors to Tewantin National Park as well as issuing 40 fines for various offences since 1 July 2023, including to vehicle owners who have entered the national park without authority.
Ranger in Charge Cheryl Thomson said these types of offences were illegal and caused environmental damage.
"Cutting down trees in a national park and the use of a chainsaw in a national park without a permit is illegal," Ms Thomson said.
"Tewantin National Park is home to a large koala population, and domestic dogs are banned to help protect the local population of iconic koalas.
"Cutting and damaging fences to gain access to restricted access areas is illegal, and using vehicles can cause erosion, damage regrowth and disturb aquatic habitats.
"Most of the visitors to Tewantin National Park respect this special place, but we are frustrated that some people ignore the rules and take unnecessary risks.
"During the Christmas holidays, we will conduct regular compliance activities and visitors should expect to see rangers on patrol.
"We want everyone to have a safe, enjoyable experience, but we won't hesitate to issue fines to those who disrespect the environment and ignore the rules."
Anyone with information about illegal activities in our national parks and State Forests can report it anonymously by calling 1300 130 372.
