Unlawful offroad driving damages reserve

Issued: 5 Sep 2023

Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) have been issued after unlawful driving caused extensive environmental damage at Sandfly Creek Reserve near Townsville.

Senior Conservation Officer Craig Dunk said a member of the public provided information to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) about a four-wheel-drive that became bogged in the reserve.

“As part of our investigation, we went to Sandfly Creek Reserve and obtained drone footage of the area,” Mr Dunk said.

“The driver has deliberately driven through the wetland, which is a sensitive environment, and gotten bogged to the axles.

“They have then contacted a towing company for assistance, and our investigation found the company sent two retrieval vehicles into the reserve.

“In trying to find a point to set their winches, the towing company has caused further environmental harm to the wetland.

“They were able to retrieve the four-wheel-drive, and we thank the member of the public for providing us with information.

“That information allowed us to contact the driver of the vehicle and the towing company, and both admitted to entering the reserve unlawfully.

“When we reviewed the drone footage we were dismayed because the extensive environmental damage looks like scars and could take years to recover.”

Mr Dunk said rangers routinely conducted patrols of reserves under their control and use covert cameras and drones for compliance purposes and members of the community provide another set of eyes.

“Members of the community generally love and respect natural areas and will report any illegal or suspicious activity,” he said.

“We issued the driver of the four-wheel-drive and the towing company with a $1,437 fine, and we make no apologies for that―such areas should not be treated like a four-wheel-drive playground.

“Towing companies also need to check with QPWS before they attempt to retrieve any vehicles from its lands, as they may require permits for off-road retrievals.

“Rangers and the Queensland Police Service also intercepted a man leaving Bowling Green Bay National Park in an unregistered side by side vehicle.

“The man used the national park to access a fishing spot and was issued with a $287 PIN for driving an unregistered vehicle and a $287 PIN for driving off road in the national park.

Anyone with information about unlawful access to our protected areas, or people causing environmental damage, can report it by calling 1300 130 372.