Police from the Darling Downs District, in conjunction with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers from the National Parks and Wildlife Service, conducted a two-day operation targeting illegal activity in Lockyer National Park.
The operation, code-named Romeo Quail, ran from August 24 to 25 and involved police resources from Gatton and the Major Organised Crime Squad (Rural).
Efforts were focused on the national parks between the townships of Helidon, Gatton and Spring Creek with both static interception sites and mobile patrols conducted on local roads such as Millers, Kruger, Redbank, Wallers, Logan and 17 Mile roads.
Extensive patrols were also conducted throughout the national parks.
Education activities were conducted in carparks associated with the national park with many riders of unregistered motorcycles advised of their legal responsibilities.
Police conducted 15 random breath tests and issued traffic infringement notices for unregistered vehicle and uninsured vehicle.
Police also issued notices to appear (NTA) for unregistered vehicle (motorcycles – x2), uninsured vehicle (x2) and unlicensed driving (x3).
A 30-year-old Toowoomba man was issued with an NTA for possessing an appliance in a protected area (chainsaw) and a 25-year-old man from Coominya was issued with an NTA for interfere with a natural resource in a protected area (removal of grass tree) which attracts a $1300 fine.
Two 20-year-old men, from Toowoomba and Lower Tent Hill, were issued with a lawful direction to leave a park.
Sergeant Tony Harm, Gatton Police said police and rangers conduct regular patrols and joint operations targeting illegal activity in our unique and pristine national parks.
“It is a timely reminder that only registered vehicles can travel through national parks and state forests and then only on the gazetted roads and at the signed speed limits.”
“All vehicular access to any other areas is strictly off limits. It is also an offence to remove anything including firewood.”
If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.
