The National Parks department on Burleigh Heads National Park’s vulgar vandals

The National Parks department has vowed to come down hard on the Gold Coast’s vulgar vandals, saying damage to Burleigh’s precious pandanus is no joke. Read their response.

The National Parks authority has vowed to come down hard on the Gold Coast’s vulgar vandals, saying damage to Burleigh’s precious pandanus is no joke.

Dozens of trees in Burleigh Heads National Park were painted to resemble male genitalia, confronting Saturday morning visitors to one of the Gold Coast’s busiest tracks.

A Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) spokesperson has since confirmed they are investigating the act, which could carry fines of up to half a million dollars or jail time.

“There’s nothing funny about vandalising protected areas,” the spokesperson said.

“It diminishes the experience for other park-goers, disturbs our protected species, damages key habitats and disrespects cultural values.

“The department is investigating recent vandalism in Burleigh Heads National Park.

“Those found responsible can expect to find themselves subject to severe penalties under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.

“Our rangers have covered the vandalism as paint removers can be harmful to our native trees.”

Burleigh Heads national park has been defaced on Saturday morning

Rangers conduct regular patrols of the national park, including the high-use Oceanview Track, which attracts around one million visitors every year.

Skirting the coastline with its basalt boulders, the scenic path passes through protected pandanus groves, tussock grasslands and coastal heath.

The Nature Conservation Act 1992 includes an offence under section 62 for a person to take, use, keep or interfere with cultural or natural resources of a protected area without authorisation.

It is understood that painting the pandanus would fall under “interfere with”, an indictable offence which carries a maximum penalty of $483,900 or two years imprisonment.

The department’s firm position was backed by Gold Coast Bulletin readers.

Pandanus roots seemingly made to resemble male genitalia along Burleigh's Oceanview track have been given a G-rated paint job overnight.

Kerrie Cox said: “Who in their right mind thinks of that? I have a choice to how I see this and I think it is vandalism. Go ahead and make art if you want but don’t use the trees in this protected national park.”

Alexis J Favenchi commented: “Defacing the natural beauty of this precious patch of rainforest must stop.”

Brian Zimmerman was among many readers who saw a lighter side: “ … Sat with 17 true locals as in original families yesterday and we all laughed our heads off and went give these guys a pat on the back as we have forgotten how to laugh.”

Pandanus roots seemingly made to resemble male genitalia along Burleigh's Oceanview track have been given a G-rated paint job overnight.