Queensland’s national parks attracted thousands of visitors on the first weekend after areas were reopened.
Minister for Environment, Leeanne Enoch said the reopening has caused a lot of excitement in the community.
“Rangers across the State said many car parks at our national parks were full, with most visitors observing social distancing rules and only moving in family or household groups,” Ms Enoch said.
“The high visitation numbers showed just how much Queenslanders value the health and wellbeing benefits of our magnificent national parks and how much they missed visiting when they were closed.”
She reminded people that camping was still not permitted and day visitors must continue to observe the Chief Health Officer’s guidelines, travelling only with family or those they lived with, and only within 50 kilometres of their homes.
“People should apply common sense and if a car park is full or an area is crowded please go somewhere else,” she said.
“The Queensland Police Service and Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers will be monitoring social distancing rules and illegal camping and will take enforcement action where necessary.”
Compliance Manager at QPWS, Mike Devery said visitor numbers at many parks over the State’s long weekend exceeded the usual visitor numbers.
“This is understandable because Queensland has some of the best national parks in Australia, and although campgrounds and some facilities remain closed, it shows the enthusiasm people have for getting out into these beautiful landscapes,” Mr Devery said.
“Rangers across the State are pleased with the behaviour of people who visited our national parks, with just a few Penalty Infringement Notices handed out for illegal camping, and investigations continuing into alleged instances of fossicking without a permit,” he said.
