Thousands of dollars in fines have been laid against a group of would-be outdoorsmen who allegedly cleared trees in an Australian national park to build an illegal hut.
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The group, consisting of 18 people, also allegedly used the hut on Queensland's Curtis Island National Park as a base for other illegal activities before the structure was discovered in August 2024.
The group was fined for starting illegal fires, bringing domestic dogs onto the island, hunting with guns and other weapons, as well as driving cars and motorbikes through restricted access areas.
This alleged offending put rangers, neighbours, other park users, native wildlife and the environment at risk, the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) said.
Great Barrier Reef and Marine Parks Regional Director Tina Alderson said the hut would be removed by park rangers.
"People who want to build a hut for their own personal use for activities such as fishing, hunting and vehicle-based activities can do so on private land but not in a national park," she said.
"Multiple fines and warnings have been issued for illegal activity within the protected areas of Curtis Island, and eighteen offenders have been identified," she said.
"[Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service] is serious about compliance, and anyone who builds an illegal structure in a protected area will be caught."
DETSI issued 22 penalty infringement notices with fines totalling $7606, with two people receiving fines of more than $1000 for their alleged roles in the offending.
Anna Houlahan
Anna Houlahan is a journalist for the Courier, dedicated to uncovering the stories that shape the city. Reach out with news or updates to anna.houlahan@austcommunitymedia.com.au
