VIC - Campground vandalism causes closure

[NissanGQ4.2]

Came across this on FB which was linked the DSE website: http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/about-dse/...causes-closure

Thought I would post it up for you VIC members

Cheers

Toddie


Campground vandalism causes closure

22 April, 2013
The Hawthorn Bridge Campground on Latrobe River Road in the Neerim State forest is facing permanent closure after constant vandalism, the most recent incident being the destruction of the toilet block, again.

Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) District Manager, Peter McEwan said staff have been frustrated for many years by continual damage to the site.

“We are at a loss to explain it, but this campground seems to be a target for mindless vandalism over and over again and we can no longer continue to maintain the site,” Mr McEwan said.

“In 2003 the toilets were rebuilt after being deliberately burned down and have since been exposed to varying levels of vandalism constantly over the past 10 years, leading up to this latest incident.”

“The toilet block was destroyed in mid-February - the walls were torn off, possibly using a winch on a four wheel drive vehicle, causing the structure to collapse.”

“The toilets have since been removed for public safety reasons and will not be rebuilt.”

“The site will be closed indefinitely until further notice.”

Camping is not permitted at the nearby day visitor area (Latrobe Trail Bike Visitor Area) located along the same road.

The closest formal campsites are located at Toorongo Falls and Poplars, north and east of Noojee.

Members of the public are strongly urged to report any suspicious behaviour or acts of vandalism on public land areas to the nearest DEPI office or to Victoria Police, with registration numbers if possible.

[macca]

Just want to tap them on the head with a house brick

[MEGOMONSTER]

F.......g pricks, that's all I can say.
I want to be part of a lynch mob and string him up by his own winch.

[Cuppa]

Geez there some real wankers out there!

Cuppa

[Bloodyaussie]

Just want to tap them on the head with a house brick

More like a 12g in the knees!!!

Faarrk it pisses me off!!!

[BigRAWesty]

Not cool. Some people have no respect..

Kallen Westbrook
Owner of
Westy's Accessories

[TPC]

I can never understand people doing this sort of thing, what possible pleasure could you derive from senseless vandalism like this.
I have seen vandalized toilets in several places, would love to catch the bastards doing it.

[MEGOMONSTER]

Unfortunately it people Winnies age doing shit like this.

[Sir Roofy]

Another day closer to having more tracks closed along with amenities
when will they realize what they have done
when the gates are locked they,ll be the first to complain
the poplars and torongo parks arnt that flash

[Jaycee]

The behaviour of these vandals is absolutely disgusting. The offenders should be found and prosecuted to the full extent of the law...

BUT, I object to the all-to-common simple minded reaction of the rangers in closing the campground down. Why exactly are we punishing all decent law abiding citizens for the actions of a few degenerates?

If we used the same policy in other areas of life, then all bus stops would be closed down following any graffiti or smashed glass. All train stations would be permanently closed for the same reasons. We wouldn't stand for these draconian policies by other public agencies working on our behalf, why do we put up with it time and again from the people who we employ to manage our forests and parks for us? We should be insisting they do more to enforce existing laws and catch the perpetrators instead of taking the easy option every time.