The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has joined with local police to mount trail bikes to maintain the safety of the local community and visitors to national parks and other reserves.
The move follows a trial of the bikes in recent inter-agency patrols.
Announcing the joint plan, NPWS Area Manager, Anthony Signor said the patrols provided NPWS with the opportunity to work closely with local police to tackle illegal activity in reserves, while helping to protect ecological communities.
“While the vast majority of visitors to local parks are well behaved, some people unfortunately engage in illegal activity,” Mr Signor said.
“This is not only dangerous, but also disturbs park neighbours and the general public, and puts our local wildlife and park assets at risk.”
He said some of the issues of concern included the riding of unregistered motorbikes on public land and driving vehicles in closed areas without authorisation.
“These activities damage the environment and our fire trails, which is both expensive to fix and impacts our ability to fight wildfires,” Mr Signor said.
“Riding or driving unregistered motorbikes and other vehicles on public land attracts heavy penalties and accessing areas closed to vehicles may also see offenders issued with fines.”
He said the patrols would be particularly active in the Barrington Tops region.
He said members of the public who see illegal activity could call the NPWS general enquiry line on 1300 361 967 to report it or phone 000 in an emergency.
Further information about NSW National Parks policies can be accessed at this PS News link.
