Sadly, the problem of visitors behaving badly in Australia’s stunning wilderness locations is not a new one … but they don’t generally tend to film themselves ‘doing the wrong thing’.
However, the social media age looks set to change all that, with an ‘influencer’ to Queensland’s K’gari (Fraser Island) the latest example.
The search for a few more ‘follows’ led to the woman copping an $834 fine for illegally lighting a fire while visiting the island.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) said the social media star also received a warning for using a drone to record video above a camping area.
Use of drones is restricted in that area.
Filmed in the act! The illegal fire lighter received a heavy fine. PIC: QPWS
Fires on K’gari are strictly prohibited unless they are lit in QPWS-provided fire rings at the Dundubara and Waddy Point camping areas when a fire ban is not in place.
Senior Ranger Chad Hoult said the fine serves as a stark reminder that content creators are not exempt from the rules, nor are they an official source of information when it comes to K’gari’s regulations.
“Disregarding these rules poses a serious threat to K’gari’s delicate environment, unique wildlife, and rich cultural heritage,” he said. “Illegal fires can quickly become bushfires that impact the island’s natural and cultural values and put lives at risk … we are lucky this wasn’t the case with this fire, however we have seen illegal campfires become significant bushfires on Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) and at Teewah.”
Rangers are reminding visitors once again the importance of respecting the island’s World Heritage environment.
“The QPWS is committed to protecting our spectacular national parks, ensuring they remain safe and enjoyable now and into the future,” said Mr Hoult
Before visiting any protected area, QPWS urges all visitors to check the official rules and guidelines on the QPWS website; and to speak directly with QPWS rangers for accurate and up-to-date information.
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Lock ’em up for a year. No excuses & no reduction of sentence for showing ”artificial remorse”.
Social media star OMG, star no irresponsible idiot yes!, ban for life these morons ruin it for everyone
People doing silly things relates to everyone who follows an “influencer”.
Influencer’s are normally people who haven’t done a days work in their life, have no real clue or life experience, yet purport to tell everyone else what to do and how..
90% of anything I have seen of so called influencers have been for greed and notoriety, well this one is just stupid, none of them should have followers. Ban anything they put on social media. I am so glad these fools get caught, like the one from america who handled endangered and other animals, block their passports and lock them out for life.
from what i believe a social media influencer is a person who has no fixed or low paying job and depends on the money derived from their postings on the various platforms. I would suggest a heavy fine then immediate deportation (at their expense) if they are from overseas with a non return provision on their passport.