Environmental Vandalism at Lighthouse Beach

Tuesday, 27 October 2009

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council officers have been investigating a number of senseless acts of environmental vandalism at areas of Lighthouse Beach.

There has been significant destruction of vegetation and waterways from the unauthorised construction of a BMX dirt track in Blair Reserve. Lighthouse Beach dunes has also been vandalised with a fire outbreak associated with illegal clearing and a camp site on the fore dunes.

These reserves are actively managed by Council and Landcare Volunteers to restore the health of the bush and to protect threatened plants located in both.

Council's Natural Resources Officer, Thor Aaso said, "The destruction of these reserves will ultimately cost the community by diverting funds away from other projects to rehabilitate them."

"This is now the fifth occasion in recent times where BMX users have created illegal tracks though Council Bush Reserves, one of which was created within critically endangered Coastal Rainforest behind Lighthouse Beach," Mr Aaso said.

BMX users and parents are reminded that if caught offenders will be fined up to $220 per damaged tree.  Council approved BMX facilities are located at Bellbowrie Reserve and in the park area on the northern side of Blair Reserve. The skate park at Town Beach is also used by BMX riders.

Council's Acting Manager of Parks & Recreation, Liam Bulley said, "Council is currently reviewing the provision of open space across the local government area to support the Local Growth Management Strategy which is currently being developed by Council.

"As part of this review we will identify potential locations for the development of additional BMX facilities," Mr Bulley said.