Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

NPWS fines 4WD driver for illegally entering flood damaged Mooball National Park

NPWS fines 4WD driver for illegally entering flood damaged Mooball National Park
November 21, 2023

A 4WD driver has been fined almost $5,000 after illegally entering a flood recovery work zone and becoming stuck in a remote part of Mooball National Park, south east of Murwillumbah.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has issued a fine and formal cautions against the driver, who entered the park through closed gates, ignoring the park signage advising that the park was closed.

The driver was charged with offences under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 and ordered to pay $4,800 in fines and vehicle recovery costs.

Mooball National Park is currently closed to the public until early 2024 due to ongoing flood repairs. A number of significant landslips have impacted Baranbali Road and Wabba Road and heavy plant and machinery are currently operating in and out of the park working through the necessary repairs.

All vehicles driven in national parks must be registered and remain on open public roads, and drivers must hold a valid driver's licence.

NPWS Principal Project Officer Silas Sutherland noted “the roads in Mooball National Park are closed because there is a legitimate risk to the safety of visitors driving on those roads.

“The floods of 2022, and subsequent rainfall, has resulted in a number of significant landslips and sections of the road have been undermined.

“By ignoring the closures, you not only put yourself at risk but you are exacerbating the damage and making it more difficult for us to repair.

“The driver ignored three separate signs stating, 'Park Closed' and 'Road Closed', to reach their final destination. The vehicle was found abandoned in steep terrain, and a number of NPWS staff, tow trucks and large plant were needed to retrieve it.

“Please remain on open public roads while in NSW national parks and respect any closure signage that you see. It's there for a reason.”

For more information on Mooball National Park or other park or part park closures visit the National Parks and Wildlife Service website

Image. Mooball national park abandoned vehicle Credit: DPE

Related Articles

20th September 2023 - Support offered for recovery of Kimberley flood impacted environmental and cultural assets

19th September 2023 - Recovery support continues for NSW flood damaged arts and cultural infrastructure

23rd August 2023 - Rochester’s flood impacted community to be offered ‘time-out’ with ROCHELLA festival

21st August 2023 - Tasmania selected for Surf Life Saving Australia’s inaugural Flood & Swift Water Rescue National Centre of Excellence

21st August 2023 - Flood and cyclone damaged Kimberley Parks to receive funding for reopening

12th July 2023 - Cathedral Cave Tour now fully operational following flood impacts

6th March 2023 - NSW flood affected sports facilities receive additional funding to repair and rebuild

20th February 2023 - Dubbo Regional Council plans for restoring flood impacted Pioneer Park

30th January 2023 - Aftermath of Auckland flooding reveals four deaths

29th October 2022 - Future of Wing’s Wildlife Park in Tasmania impacted by floods

19th September 2022 - New tourism recovery funding to help flood impacted Queensland operators


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

Summit Fitness

Summit Fitness Equipment is now part of NovoFit - see www.ausleisure.com.au/suppliers/novofit/

read more

Fitness / Recreation / Technology / Wellness

 
 

TPEC Pool Enclosures

TPEC Pool Enclosures provide a large range of premium commercial and residential retractable swimming pool, spa and terrace enclosures throughout Australia, servicing residential, local government…

read more

Aquatics / Design / Recreation / Venues

 
 

Fun Wheels Pty Ltd

Fun Wheels Pty Ltd are the premium dealer in Australasia for the Dutch company BERG’s commercial and domestic products. Our flagship product is their revolutionary pedal go-kart – the…

read more

Attractions / Tourism / Venues

 
 

Altitude Training Systems

ATS are global leaders in altitude training and research. From mask systems and inflatable tents to simulated altitude facilities, we help all athletes gain the competitive edge. Our…

read more

Fitness / Sport / Technology

 
 

Otium Planning Group

Otium Planning Group is a contemporary sport and leisure consultancy providing services in planning, facility development, management and funding for the sport, recreation and leisure industries…

read more

Aquatics / Consultants / Recreation / Sport / Venues

 
 

SENtag

Developed in Europe, this innovative system offers a safety management solution for swimming pools that checks individual swimmers via their wristband - monitoring their depth and time. Sensors…

read more

Aquatics / Hospitality / Safety / Technology / Waterparks

 
 

Ticketworx Pty Ltd

Ticketworx (formerly House of Tickets) is Australia and New Zealand’s foremost ticket specialist servicing some 2,700 clients and producing in excess of 30 million per tickets per annum.…

read more

Entertainment / Events / Technology / Ticketing / Venues

 
 

AUSTRALIAN WATERSLIDES AND LEISURE

A leading designer and manufacturer of innovative waterslides and attractions, Australian Waterslides and Leisure (AWL) is also able to advise clients in the areas of concept and design, feasibility…

read more

Aquatics / Attractions / Play / Waterparks

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business