Campers in Queensland’s state forests and national parks are being warned to expect serious consequences for staying overnight without a permit.
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) says rangers have observed a concerning increase in unsafe and unlawful behaviour across State forests and national parks including Wondai and Benarkin State Forests in recent months, with a number of fines issued.
It said rangers detected an increase in people camping without a permit which impacts on the visitor experience through overcrowding, and places unnecessary pressure on facilities and amenities.
Recent enforcement activity has resulted in the issuing of several Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs), including $322 for camping without a permit.
Campers in Queensland's state forests and national parks are being reminded to get a permit. PIC: Cizza
QPWS Senior Ranger Luke said the camping permit system was vitally important.
“Permits help to prevent overcrowding, protect wildlife and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors,” he said. “At just $7.25 per person, a permit is a small price to pay to camp in some of Queensland’s most spectacular locations … camping illegally can end up being a very costly mistake and can result in a $322 fine.”
QPWS says it will continue to conduct regular patrols of State forests in the South Burnett including Wondai and Benarkin State Forests, and those caught breaking the law will face heavy penalties.
Rangers have also issued fines to people riding unregistered motorbikes in forests and parks, not holding valid driver licences and failing to wear helmets, increasing the risk of serious injury.
Ranger Luke stressed the same rules that apply in public and on public roads also apply in state forests.
“Those who choose to disregard these regulations are putting themselves and others at risk, damaging these delicate ecosystems, and spoiling the camping experience for responsible visitors,” he said. “A state forest is not a motocross track, and when people go off-road or ride dangerously, they put themselves at risk, destroy vegetation and cause erosion.”
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It may only be $7.25 per person, but if you use the maths it all adds up to massive extra costs to the travelling public. These places already receive massive funding from both state and federal governments, but are they happy with that? No. They want to cover their failings in using their budgets correctly by making more and more people pay more and more fees. Enough is enough.
No fees in Victoria, Utter Chaos. Most parks fully booked every night, with only a few sites occupied. People booking 2 sites, one for the van, one for the car. Be careful what you wish for.
Simple solution in my opinion – first in best dressed.
That is so wrong Parks belong to all
National and state parks are already funded by tax payers. Adding costs simply reduces visitors who would support small businesses in those areas. Not a wise commercial decision by governments.
Be like me, go elsewhere – until everywhere is legislated to the hilt – country is buggered.
Has there ever been a “wise commercial decision by government.”
Best deal ever! Its the van parks doing the exploiting…
Paying $14.50 per night to camp isn’t going to break my bank if it is enforced and the site is there when I get there. I am happy for that also, if it keeps the hoon’s and brain-dead louts out of the place.
Put a 100 sheep into 10,000 ares; you wouldn’t know they were there. Restrict them to 10 acres, which is what is happening now and they trample the area. Then our overenthusiastic government uses this as an excuse to bring in draconian controls, charging for what was once free.
Put 10 sheep into 1000 ares and it will be hard to find evidence they are there. Put them into 10 acres and there will be a mess. This is what is happening with our parks, campers confined to sites the size of a back yard, the greens claim the rest of the park would be just as messy/crowded.
What do they provide for that price?