Rangers in North Queensland have fined a driver who used protected wetlands as a “four-wheel-drive playground”.
Sandfly Creek, to the south of Townsville, is one of the few nature reserves in the region where migratory bird species from across the world rest, feed and breed.
Both the four-wheel drive owner and the towing company have been fined.
Investigations using drone footage revealed the full extent of the damage caused by multiple vehicles.
We make no apologies for that – such areas should not be treated like a four-wheel-drive playground," Mr Dunk said.
QPWS rangers and the Queensland Police Service also intercepted a man leaving Bowling Green Bay National Park, who was fined $287 for driving an unregistered side by side and fined another $287 for driving off road in the national park.
A full day 4wd course drive costs about 550 (Brisbane) A few laps on a 2 course 4wd track in Melbourne is about 320
Not exactly the same i know, but those fines seem pretty weak in comparison.
So low for possibly near-permanent damage in compaction.
Such is modern life.
Confiscate and sell the vehicles same as they do for fisheries infringements.
The fines are bullshit …cost of a couple of tanks of petrol.
This is the best summary I could come up with:
They have also fined the towing company, which drove two vehicles illegally through the nature reserve to rescue the driver.
Sandfly Creek, to the south of Townsville, is one of the few nature reserves in the region where migratory bird species from across the world rest, feed and breed.
“They can travel extremely long distances from China or Russia as part of their migration process, and these wetland areas are really important for them,” said senior wildlife officer Craig Dunk.
In August, the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) received a tip from a member of the public that drew rangers to the Sandfly Creek Reserve.
The owner of the four-wheel drive and the towing company admitted their involvement to the Department of Environment and Science (DES) and were each fined $1,437.
QPWS rangers and the Queensland Police Service also intercepted a man leaving Bowling Green Bay National Park, who was fined $287 for driving an unregistered side by side and fined another $287 for driving off road in the national park.
The original article contains 325 words, the summary contains 171 words. Saved 47%. I’m a bot and I’m open source!
