Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers are cracking down on unlawful and antisocial behaviour at popular hinterland recreational areas, with dozens of fines issued.
Rangers will conduct a compliance crackdown around Kenilworth during the Christmas holidays and are appealing for visitors to respect the environment and other campers and day visitors.
Remote cameras have captured footage of people illegally clearing roadblocks to take their vehicles into restricted access areas and driving with unrestrained passengers.
Antisocial behaviour includes excessive drinking, loud music, inappropriate use of fire and littering in and around camping areas.
Since July 1, 2023, rangers have issued 216 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) with a value of $63,363 to visitors to Conondale National Park, Imbil State Forest and Jimna State Forest.
People have been issued fines for camping without a permit, camping outside designated camping areas and bringing domestic cats and dogs into camping areas.
Other fines have been issued for illegal campfires and using bush timber for illegal campfires.
Senior ranger Aaron Jensen said although most visitors to the Kenilworth region treated camping areas with respect, rangers were disappointed by some of the behaviour.
“The ongoing popularity of camping areas at Teewah Beach, K’gari and Bribie Island has boosted visitation to the Kenilworth region,” he said.
“Rangers are providing ongoing education to visitors, cleaning up rubbish they leave behind and repairing camping areas and other infrastructure.
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“We close roads in our protected areas to keep people safe and we’re worried someone will get hurt if they continue to ignore our safety signs.
“Our protected areas attract national and international tourists, and people need to respect these areas and other visitors.”
Anyone with information about illegal activities in the region’s national parks and state forests can report it anonymously by calling 1300 130 372.
