Two men have been fined thousands after six 4WDs were abandoned in a delicate wetland.
Two drivers who unlawfully entered the Pinnacles Reserve near Townsville have been issued with hefty fines while four others were given formal warning notices.
The incident occurred on February 4, when the men entered the reserve via a private road at night and drove past a warning sign which read: “Authorised personnel only”.
Senior Conservation Officer Craig Dunk revealed the eleven people in six vehicles were then caught in flash flooding caused by a 120mm downpour.
“All eleven, including a man with two children, abandoned their vehicles and waded through water in the dark before calling emergency services,” Mr Dunk said.
“A swift water rescue team and rescue helicopter were dispatched to the Pinnacles Reserve, and thankfully, the eleven people were flown to safety by helicopter around 8:30 am on Sunday morning.
Though the drivers got out safely, the group had left litter, including Bundaberg Rum packaging and a snatch strap, and caused significant damage to the environment and the firebreak, which Mr Dunk said will cost about $50,000 to repair.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service officers interviewed several drivers, all expressing remorse for the damage they caused.
In handing out the $1437 Penalty Infringement Notices, Parks and wildlife took into account the damage caused and each driver’s involvement in unlawfully accessing the reserve.
Mr Dunk stated that aerial photos taken in the following days after the vehicles became bogged revealed the extent of the damage.
“The photos clearly show where the drivers have left the firebreak or track and completed widening laps or circle work in the bushland,” he said.
“The photos clearly show vegetation that has been flattened or ripped out from the ground, and large holes up to 600mm deep in the ground caused by spinning wheels in the wet ground.”
Bundy rubbish and tow gear were left behind. Picture: Department of Science and Environment
He also explained that when vehicles break the surface of the soils during rain events, the soils can dissolve and erode rapidly.
“Without remediation works, those bare areas are susceptible to the growth of weeds and ongoing erosion issues, and it could take months for natural vegetation to regrow,” Mr Dunk added.
“The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service makes no apology for issuing fines to people who cause harm to our protected areas. Some of those involved in this incident apologised for the harm they caused, and hopefully, the fines will deter other people from unlawfully entering our protected areas in the Townsville region,” he said.
Two drivers copped $1437 Penalty Infringement Notices. Picture: Department of Science and Environment
Dunk also advised four-wheel-drive enthusiasts to tread lightly and respect the land they are driving on.
“Drive only in areas where four-wheel-driving is permitted, don’t drive around obstacles which can widen a trail, and where possible avoid muddy areas,” he said.
“In soft terrain or on unstable ground, don’t over-accelerate, which can spin the wheels and cause rutting.”
The owners removed the cars from the bogs several days after being rescued from the area.
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