The poor behaviour of a minority at a popular southwest WA campsite has resulted in a potential management review which could ultimately result in a camping ban.
Perth Now reports that more than 3,000 people arrived each day over the long weekend at Logue Brook Dam near the town of Harvey, south of Perth … and not all were well behaved.
The newspaper says the spot descended into ‘chaos’, with boaters, jetskiers and campers pushing the boundaries of acceptable outdoor behaviour.
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) were reportedly forced to deploy rangers on an extended roster — alongside WA police officers — to manage the influx.
Keep on looking! The poor behaviour of a few is regularly seeing campsites close. PIC: Cizza
More than 20 infringements, cautions, and move-on notices were issued for driving offences and antisocial behaviour, although no one was charged.
A DBCA spokesperson told Perth Now that rangers observed unsafe boating and jetski operation, with incidents reported to the regulatory authority, the Department of Transport.
“Additionally, four incidents were reported to WA Police,” they said. “Rangers also responded to a small fire caused by a flare near Scarp Road on Sunday, which was quickly extinguished.”
While the spokesperson told the publication there were currently no proposed camping reforms at the dam, they said the Parks and Wildlife Service would continuously review visitor management strategies to ensure public safety and environmental protection.
“The Parks and Wildlife Service will continue to deploy rangers and work closely with WA Police to ensure compliance with regulations,” they said. “Visitor management strategies will be reviewed as needed to maintain public safety and protect the natural environment.”
A Shire of Harvey spokesperson told Perth Now that the site fell under DBCA management, but they had been made aware of potential changes.
“While we cannot comment directly on the rule changes, the shire supports responsible recreation and community safety at all public sites,” they said. “We encourage respectful behaviour in shared spaces to ensure the enjoyment and safety of all visitors … education, enforcement of existing regulations, and collaboration between managing authorities and the community can help prevent future incidents.”
Sadly, this is far from the first time – and almost certainly won’t be the last – that the inconsiderate behaviour of a minatory has cast a shadow over the future of popular camping area. The issue tends to become particularly acute over busy holiday periods and Bank Holiday weekends.
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Close this sites for long weekends or ban the use of jet skis and waterskiing at this site.
People acting in a way that necessitates the issue of infringements, cautions, and move-on notices should also be fined. And fines also issued for driving offences and antisocial behaviour. The hip pocket is the best way to control bad behaviour.,
It’s just another way of destroying the beauty we get to enjoy in our camping experience.
Unfortunately we are not all with common sense and please don’t be a common sense denier as this is part of the problem we all face in Australia now. In every state there are people pushing the boundaries of life in general and it’s a sad fact that our legal system throughout Australia is not equipped to protect the innocent from the tyranny that these criminal types are getting away with every day.
There is a need for a ranger or 4 at this park all day and night every day . Lodgings should be standard for those on duty and police should be advised of the need for several courtesy calls per day on busy weekends and camping long weekends etc.
Jet skies and the like have no right to disturb the people using the lake and should be banned from this area full stop. Fishing or quiet craft trips should be the only recognised option and a set speed should be given to all those who launch a boat for that reason , with a patrol on the water to keep the rules in place. Also drug and alcohol testing on the water should be happening to ensure safety.
It also sounds a lot like the authorities are not doing an adequate amount of patrols to ensure the safety of the people who are genuine campers that have the decency to behave. It’s not up to the campers to keep the peace or try to get others to behave , that only causes more angst and frustration. Heavy on the spot fines and evictions are the only way to get these criminals to listen and confiscation of recreation vehicles could be another way of deterring their criminal activities and bad behaviour on the water as well as in camp . A few arrests would soon deter others from coming back.
Sorry for the hard line but it’s time that councils realised they have a responsibility for well behaved campers safety and a duty to protect the environment and care for parks in a diligent manner. Closing camps down will only make it worse as people will illegally camp in other areas for rest stops . We all know you can’t keep driving forever as fatigue sets in. The cost of camping there should be enough to cover the required number of officials to cover these weekend and public holiday camping events. And no one should complain putting their hand in their pocket to make sure it’s safe for all .
Sounds like a staff of around 20 people! Fees would be prohibitive. Ridiculous! Just ban jet skis and see what effect that has. No need for total knee jerk.
Geez Pete, with respect, it appears you need to look or think out the box! Ban just Jet Skis?
So what about the dangers caused by young ones racing around in theirs or Mum & Dads Speed Boat or Craft??
Also, what about the overcrowding issue, the loud night time partying and the Antisocial behaviour that disturbs other Campers who are doing the right thing considering others?? Yea, making a change by a slap with a wet lettuce leaf is exactly what is not needed! These problems (it’s not just one!) have been going on for sometime now and are, and can only “continue” to get worse while the few causing the problems see that nothing positive is being done about it to stop them!!
It’s pretty basic really! See “all” the problems taking place and the cause of them then remove the causes!
So true Jo, indicative of the attitude today of ‘I’ll do what I want and bugger everyone else’. Many years ago we camped at a dam site in south-west WA, only to have a group turn up with trail bikes, and a two-stroke generator with an electric guitar plugged into it. Hell for two and a half days.
In similar camps in the USA, the rangers have guns, handcuffs and tazers, and they don’t mess around with rule breakers
Immediate actions required by the Authorities to prevent the antisocial behaviour in the Camp Grounds and the dangerous behaviour taking place out on the water in the Dam are;
1) A total ban on Jetskis, Speedboats or Speedcraft! This needs to take place urgently before someone is seriously hurt or killed!
2) Have a set amount or number of Campers at any one time or period to prevent the over crowding and once that number is reached, the Rangers have the authority to close the Grounds other than for those who are leaving.
3) A permanent Ban on any of those who have been reported and identified for Antisocial and or dangerous behaviour.
Once these rules are in place and are there for everybody, just then watch the clear and current problems that are taking place cease!
Plus the Police and any constant surveillance required by Rangers will also be minimal! This will also allow the Police to focus on their more important crime prevention duties!
No excuse for bad behaviour, if they don’t abide by rules don’t just give them a warning charge them & make them do community service & clean up their mess or repair what they have damaged.
Do the crime pay the time!