Not on: Parks Victoria says Illegal off-road joy rides and firewood theft is devastating the flood-impacted Murray River landscape.
Parks Victoria has stepped up enforcement in the flood-affected Gunbower National Park, issuing 10 infringements to trail bike riders and four-wheel-drive enthusiasts over the recent long weekend.
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This action comes in response to rampant illegal off-road activities damaging the delicate Murray River landscape.
During the operation, authorised officers engaged with over 100 visitors in the park and recorded 24 instances of unlawful behaviour.
These acts not only harm the environment but also threaten the area’s cultural heritage.
Gunbower National Park, recognised under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, is home to a stunning array of river red gums and diverse habitats vital for numerous species.
Among the park’s inhabitants are the long-neck turtle, diamond firetail and the migratory rainbow bee-eater, which depends on the park’s sensitive sandy terrains for nesting.
The area serves as a crucial stopover for migratory birds, especially waterbirds, from around the globe.
The rise in reports of illegal and antisocial behaviour on public land has prompted Parks Victoria to increase patrols in Gunbower, Cohuna, Kerang and Leitchville.
No respect: A snapshot of illicit activity in Gunbower National Park, captured by Parks Victoria officers.
Since early November, under Operation Gunbower, over 70 incidents of illegal activities have been recorded, including the illegal felling of around 200 river red gums.
The authorities are adopting a staggered enforcement approach, focusing on patrolling, educating visitors about public land rules, and issuing warnings and infringements when necessary.
Parks Victoria area chief ranger Leeza Wishart expressed concern over the environmental and community cost of these illegal activities.
“The damage caused by off-road vehicles and the illegal cutting of trees from public land significantly impacts the health and sustainability of the Gunbower National Park, its wildlife and cultural heritage,” she said.
The illegal activities have resulted in deep holes and bare patches in wet ground, prone to weed growth and erosion, potentially taking months to recover.
The loss of mature river red gums, which take decades to grow, is particularly devastating.
While the recent spike in illegal activities during the Australia Day long weekend is disheartening, Parks Victoria said it remained committed to protecting and preserving Victoria’s parks for communal enjoyment.
Since the initiation of Operation Gunbower, there has been a notable decrease in reports of illegal activities across the targeted areas.
Parks Victoria urges the community to report any illegal activities or suspicious behaviour to Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or Victoria Police.
Penalties apply for illegal off-road activities and for causing damage to wildlife habitats and cultural heritage sites.
