Rangers are calling for improved public behaviour in national parks and State forests after Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) issued 21 fines over the Easter weekend in the Lockyer Valley and at Main Range.
Senior Ranger Compliance at the QPWS, Luke Male said Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) were handed out to people who unlawfully rode motorbikes, didn’t wear seatbelts, ignored road closed signs, took dogs into national parks and camped without permits.
“We conducted compliance patrols over the Easter long weekend in Lockyer National Park, Lockyer State Forest and Main Range National Park,” Mr Male said. “We interacted with more than 400 people across the weekend, and we’re disappointed that we had to issue the 21 fines, with a total value of $5,361.”
He said it was obvious some visitors were disregarding their safety and the safety of others, and were treating national parks and State forests like they were in their own backyards.
“The recent rain has impacted many dirt roads in national parks and State forests, and the QPWS closed these roads and issued park alerts on its internet page in order to protect public safety and prevent further damage occurring,” Mr Male said.
“Unfortunately, a number of people disregarded the closure signs and simply drove around them.”
He said people were caught riding motorbikes without licences, driving unregistered vehicles and a teenager was found riding a motorbike without wearing a helmet on a closed road.
“His parent was issued with two fines, and received advice from QPWS rangers and Queensland Police Service officers,” Mr Male said.
