PARK rangers on North Stradbroke Island have been told not to fine people for breaking laws.
Instead of issuing fines for driving on the beach without a permit or walking a dog on the beach without a lead, rangers have been told to “educate” offenders, including tourists.
Rangers and authorised Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation officers have the power to issue directions and take “reasonable actions” to protect the island’s national parks and cultural heritage.
They are also empowered to act if a person’s safety is at risk or to avoid public disturbances.
Island resident Trevor Watson said residents were confused about rangers’ powers.
He said residents wanted to know if all rangers had the authority to stop people using indigenous land to get to the Basin after witnessing rangers using “intimidating tactics”.
“If they have the authority to penalise people for breaking the law, why don’t they use it and fine people?” he said.
“Rangers have never fined anyone for driving on the beach outside designated times or taking water from fresh water lakes.”
A Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service spokesman said rangers were told to take “reasonable actions” including taking down names, addresses or photographs of any evidence if it is believed an offence has been committed.
The spokesman also said rangers were being trained to issue breach notices or on-the-spot fines.
The spokesman said appointed officers had the authority to issue penalties but the department preferred them to talk to offenders and explain how the breach affected the environment or cultural heritage.
QPWS and the Quandamooka people have joint management of protected and recreation areas on the island and Redland City Council officers have retained authority on public and crown land.
“While appointed officers do have the authority to issue penalties for a range of prohibited activities within these areas, QPWS recognises that visitors may not always be familiar with the rules, for example if they are tourists from overseas,” the spokesman said.
“For that reason QPWS prefers an educative approach.”
