Rangers are urging visitors to a national park to respect the rules after a spate of illegal incidents.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service staff say they are frustrated by the acts of some people at a section of Tewantin National Park.
Gates and fences have been cut through to allow people to drive into the national park, signs have been vandalised, multiple trees have been cut down to enable access, and cameras placed to monitor visitor behaviour have been damaged.
Rangers have primarily taken an educational approach with visitors but they have also issued 40 fines for various offences since July 2023, including to vehicle owners who have entered the national park without authority.
Ranger in Charge Cheryl Thomson said these types of offences were illegal and caused environmental damage.
“Cutting down trees in a national park and the use of a chainsaw in a national park without a permit is illegal,” she said.
“Tewantin National Park is home to a large koala population, and domestic dogs are banned to help protect the local population of iconic koalas.
“Cutting and damaging fences to gain access to restricted access areas is illegal, and using vehicles can cause erosion, damage regrowth and disturb aquatic habitats.
“Most of the visitors to Tewantin National Park respect this special place, but we are frustrated that some people ignore the rules and take unnecessary risks.”
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She warned that more fines could be issued.
“During the Christmas holidays, we will conduct regular compliance activities and visitors should expect to see rangers on patrol,” she said.
“We want everyone to have a safe, enjoyable experience, but we won’t hesitate to issue fines to those who disrespect the environment and ignore the rules.”
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Formerly known as Yurol State Forest and Ringtail Creek State Forest, the section of Tewantin National Park was gazetted in 2023 due to its outstanding natural and cultural values.
Anyone with information about illegal activities in national parks and state forests can report it anonymously by calling 1300 130 372.
