The Department of Environment and Science (DES) says two trailbike riders have been fined after officers intercepted them in the Wickham Timber Reserve at Yarrabilba.
Compliance Manager at the Department, Mike Devery said the men each received three fines totalling $963, including $413 for unauthorised riding in a timber reserve, $275 for unlicensed riding and $275 for unregistered vehicles.
“We also seized their bikes until they could prove ownership, which took the men some time as they weren’t carrying adequate identification with them,” Mr Devery said.
“It is illegal to ride trailbikes in many of Queensland’s national parks, State forests and timber reserves, and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers regularly conduct compliance patrols.”
He said trailbikes could cause damage to the natural and cultural values of protected areas or forests, particularly if riders went into sensitive areas or off-road.
“This is a significant safety issue as well, as there is the potential for trailbike riders to injure themselves, or collide with other park users or authorised vehicles in our protected area estate,” Mr Devery said.
“I’d like to remind people who ride trailbikes in permitted areas that the normal road rules apply, people must have a licence and their trailbikes must be fully registered.”
He said rangers were authorised to enforce these road rules, along with driving without due care and attention and speeding, and could seize non-complying vehicles.
