Some of Australia’s most stunning beauty spots and iconic natural landmarks are continuing to be plagued by random acts of vandalism.
Everything from bollards being ripped up and signs being damaged to graffiti and carvings defacing ancient rock sites have become all too common in recent years.
In South Australia, the boundaries of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park are now having to be expanded to better protect another 330 hectares of land, including Sacred Canyon, from the scourge of vandalism.
Under national park protection, the canyon’s red rock formations and ancient rock art will – at least in theory – be safer from graffiti.
Environment Minister Ian Hunter said there had been a disappointing amount of vandalism, and the Ikara-Flinders Ranges Co-Management Board had asked for extra protection.
“Officers are being trained to remove graffiti,” he said. “We are investigating having the Flinders Ranges listed as UNESCO World Heritage Area which will strengthen its protection and conservation.”
Of course, national park status will not guarantee graffiti on ancient rock sites or general vandalism will cease.
Earlier this year, a large patch of graffiti in Western Australia’s Murujuga National Park enraged traditional owners and Parks and Wildlife staff.
A patch of graffiti measuring 5 metres by 10 metres intended as a memorial to a dead person was left at a highly sensitive men’s only area at Cowrie Cove.
DPAW Karratha wildlife officer Chris Roy said at the time it was disappointing that people took the time to damage the national park.
“People want to go out and enjoy that nature-based experience,” he said. “So to turn around and see what someone thought was a good idea, it’s pretty small-minded.”
Similar issues were reported in 2014 on WA’s Burrup Peninsula when vandals spray painted graffiti and chipped out imitation carvings.
Just last year, widespread vandalism and illegal dumping and hunting at NSW’s iconic Kosciuszko National Park saw security patrols increased, and thousands of dollars of damage was recently caused at Victoria’s Stringybark Creek camping area which will be forever linked with the legend of bushranger Ned Kelly.
