The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is urging Schoolies Week visitors and campers in national parks and State forests to behave responsibly.
Acting Principal Ranger, Nick Smith said that with Schoolies Week events cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, campsites were proving popular.
“Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers are monitoring social media sites that are encouraging schoolies to celebrate the end of school in Queensland’s campgrounds,” Mr Smith said.
“Rangers and the Queensland Police Service will conduct compliance activities during Schoolies Week.”
He said he expected many campgrounds to be fully booked out for Friday and Saturday night during Schoolies Week and all visitors had to have the required permits.
“Rangers will provide education, monitor visitor behaviour and promote minimal impact camping, which involves removing your own rubbish from the park and leaving only footprints behind,” Mr Smith said.
“Most visitors to our national parks and recreation areas do the right thing, but rangers can issue fines for not having the necessary permits and for environmental and socially inappropriate behaviour.”
He said it was an offence in recreation areas to remove branches from trees or collect fallen branches for firewood, and people could be issued with a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN).
“Rangers are also concentrating on driving offences and can issue PINs for offences such as unregistered vehicles, driving without a licence, not wearing seat belts and driving without due care and attention,” Mr Smith said.
“We want everyone to enjoy themselves during Schoolies Week and our rangers will provide advice and education to campers about safe driving practices and socially acceptable behaviour,” he said.
