Taskforce shuts down illegal activity in Alpine National Park

[NissanGQ4.2]

Just some Vic news I came across, still trying to get my head around some idiot cut a wooden fence up for firewood!


http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/about-us/n...-park-over-the

Taskforce shuts down illegal activity in Alpine National Park over the Queen's Birthday weekend
Tuesday 18 June, 2013

Visitor safety and park protection have been the aim of recent compliance activity between Parks Victoria and Victoria Police in the Alpine National Park, north of Licola.

Authorised officers have been undertaking regular patrols, targeting illegal behaviour throughout Gippsland’s remote high country, resulting in a high number of infringement notices and prosecutions pending for more serious offences.

The patrols conducted over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend included the seizure of several firearms. Other offences detected included illegal campfires, off road driving, taking vehicles behind seasonally closed gates, and bringing dogs into the park. Significant criminal damage to national park assets also occurred over the weekend.

Parks Victoria Ranger in Charge of the Wonnangatta Moroka area of the Alpine National Park, Mike Dower, said park visitors should be able to explore parks safely and without encountering this level of illegal activity.

“Rangers will continue to conduct targeted compliance operations in four wheel drives and on trail bikes across the entire Alpine National Park for a range of illegal activities that have been reported.

Mr Downer said of most concern was the destruction of timber posts and fences outside the heritage-listed Moroka Hut.

“The fence was cut up with a chainsaw for firewood and transported to a nearby campground. The offender was interviewed by a Parks Victoria Authorised Officer. The matter will now be transferred to Victoria Police for follow up,” he said.

Parks Victoria will continue to run compliance operations on a regular basis in the remote areas of the Gippsland High Country.

For information on hunting regulations in the Alpine regions of Victoria go to http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/game-hunting