Warning to 4WDers after pair fined for illegally entering protected wetlands
Two drivers have been fined $1437 each after they illegally drove through a protected wetland area in North Queensland earlier this year and caused major environmental damage.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service said the two men were among 11 people, including two children, who unlawfully entered a restricted zone in the Pinnacles Reserve, near Townsville, on February 4.
After their six vehicles became bogged in heavy rain, the group abandoned them and trekked through water after dark.
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The vehicles became bogged after unlawfully entering a reserve near Townsville in Queensland. (Photo: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service) Supplied
The group of people left litter, such as rum cartons, after unlawfully entering reserve near Townsville in Queensland. (Photo: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service) Supplied
They called emergency services and were later found and taken out the reserve by swift-water rescue crews and a helicopter.
Senior Conservation Officer Craig Dunk said the vehicles caused significant damage to the reserve.
"They later retrieved their vehicles but they left litter, and a lot of damage behind to the environment and the firebreak, which will cost about $50,000 to repair," he said.
The refuse included rum cartons and broken snatch straps discovered among vegetation.
Dunk said aerial photos taken after the vehicles became bogged have highlighted the damage.
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Aerial images show how the abandoned vehicles caused major environmental damage in the park near Townsville in Queensland. (Photo: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service) Supplied
The group of 11 people abandoned their vehicles after unlawfully entering reserve near Townsville in Queensland. (Photo: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service) Supplied
"The aerial photos clearly show where the drivers have left the firebreak or track and completed widening laps or circle work in the bushland," he said.
"The photos clearly show vegetation that has been flattened or ripped out from the ground, and large holes up to 600mm deep in the ground caused by spinning wheels in the wet ground."
He advised people to check the weather forecast before four-wheel driving, keep on approved tracks and roads and tread lightly.
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