Parks Victoria and Victoria Police are targeting illegal activities in reserves and parks around Gembrook a dedicated compliance operation.
Activities like Illegal firewood collection and off-roading in vehicles have impacted known cultural sights, destroyed and removed vegetation, caused soil degradation and erosion to impact waterways and aquatic ecosystems, removed habitat trees and impacted park facilities according to Parks Victoria.
Area Chief Ranger Jack Dinkgreve said there is a real community cost to the damage being done.
“Replacing gates, signs, padlocks and rehabilitating damaged areas takes time and resources away from visitor services and protecting the environment,” he said.
“Some repair works can be completed quickly, however, the scars on the environment last for many years.”
Operation Columbus launched in late July, with 120 interactions between officers and park visitors, with many of the interactions being “positive with information being shared on park values, areas to visit and what activities are permitted or not in the park.”
32 offences were detected, including four-wheel drives and trail bikes being used in closed-off areas or off-road, illegal camping, hunting and firewood collection, dogs in state parks, use of drones without permits and destruction of signs and gates.
12 cautions and three infringements were issued across the weekend, with others under investigation.
“Information from the community is a key part of our intelligence and evidence gathering and we encourage community members to report any suspicious behaviour to Parks Victoria on 13 19 63,” Mr Dinkgreve said.
“Remember your safety is most important; don’t put yourself at risk to gather information.”
The operation will see increased patrols and surveillance across Bunyip State Park and Kurth Kiln Regional Park over the next three months, especially during the seasonal closure period. On-the-spot fines for breaching a seasonal closure or tampering or damaging a gate or sign are $925 per offence.
