Caretaker and patrols for Bowling Green Bay

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has engaged a caretaker at Bowling Green Bay National Park south of Townsville.

Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, said QPWS would also continue to work with Queensland Police on patrols of coastal sections of the national park over coming months to protect the area’s dunes and wildlife and people’s safety.

“The appointment of a caretaker and the patrols demonstrate our commitment to improving safety and enjoyment for campers and local residents,” Mr McNamara said.

“The park provides a range of recreational experiences, but visitors have to respect that these areas are for conservation.

“We are particularly concerned about the impacts of motorcycles and other vehicles on the sensitive sand dune systems in protected areas such as Cungulla Beach.

“Vehicles disrupt turtle and bird nesting, damage dune vegetation and threaten the area’s natural values.

“We are also concerned for the safety of park users and have received several reports from locals regarding noise levels and dangerous driving.

“QPWS rangers have conducted patrols regularly over the last four months educating park users about operating vehicles and safety concerns.

“We’ve also erected boundary signs to inform visitors when they are entering national parks, but ultimately park users are responsible for knowing where they are, and what they can and cannot do in national parks.

“Penalties apply for offences in protected areas,” Mr McNamara said.

Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3336 8004