Vandals in the bush

By Kath Gannaway
VANDALS wrecking recreation areas in the Yarra State Forest are costing the public thousands of dollars, and ruining the forest for legitimate users.
The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) said a spate of vandalism in recent weeks had resulted in damage to walking tracks and camping grounds in the Upper Yarra area.
District Manager Geoff Scales described the number of attacks as “ridiculous” and said the damage would cost thousands of dollars to repair.
The attacks have occurred over a series of weekends and include destruction to signs, walking tracks and the cutting down of native vegetation.
“Vandalism of recreation assets within state forests is a major concern for DSE,” Mr Scales said.
He said forest officers do regular patrols, but, appealing to the public for help in identifying the culprits, he said it was impossible for DSE officers to be everywhere, all the time.
“The number of attacks over recent months is very frustrating. What these vandals don’t understand is that each time facilities are damaged or rubbish is dumped it costs money to fix, which could be used on other facilities.”
The most recent attack at Cemetery Junction – Old Warburton, resulted in about a dozen trees being cut down including a very large and old eucalyptus tree.
“The trees, clearly cut with a chainsaw, fell on wooden bollards and wire that was used to fence off a sensitive forest area to protect it from motorised use,” Mr Scales said.
“This type of behaviour is so destructive and ruins the forest experience for all forest users.”
In another attack, in early July, at the Yarra Ranges Latrobe Camping Area on the Yarra Junction-Noojee Road, two large eucalypt trees were cut down.
“The felling appeared to be intentional and in the direction of the toilet block, resulting in one tree falling across the toilet shelter and destroying it,” Mr Scales said.
The new shelter was completed only days before.
Surveillance cameras show trail bikes being ridden in the area and images of teenagers collecting the wood from the destroyed toilet block.
Anyone with information on illegal dumping, damage or theft of public property or destruction of native vegetation is urged to call DSE on 136 186.