The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is asking for public assistance to identify the people responsible for recent bouts of vandalism at the Alligator Creek day use area.
Senior Ranger Grant Ison said the vandals have targeted the amenities block in November and December, causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage.
“We recently spent more than $3 million to upgrade the facilities at the Alligator Creek day use area for people who love visiting the Bowling Green Bay National Park,” Mr Ison said.
“These acts of vandalism are disgraceful, and extremely frustrating for our dedicated rangers and the thousands of people who visit the day use area.
“The vandals targeted the light fittings, ripped out electrical wiring and hand basins and smashed toilets in the amenities block, which forced rangers to close it for an extended period of time.
“The repair bill for the first incident of vandalism was more than $13,000, and the second incident will cost more than $10,000 to repair.
“That is money needlessly spent, and the closure of the amenities block is a major inconvenience for people who enjoy the day use area.
“Vandalism is a senseless act, and it is clear the vandals have no respect for the community or our protected areas.
Mr Ison said anyone with information should contact QPWS or the Queensland Police Service.
“Rangers and the community take a zero-tolerance approach to any vandalism offences in our protected areas,” he said.
“This vandalism is deliberate and destructive, and someone in the community will know who did it and they can make an anonymous call to QPWS on 1300 130 372 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
“Under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, vandalism of protected area facilities carries a maximum penalty of $18,576.
“The people responsible could also face criminal charges, and they may also be liable for covering the costs of the repairs.”
