Visitors to Twelve Apostles fined $1652 for ignoring closure
Lovers of the outdoors have returned to parks and reserves in record numbers as lockdown restrictions ease, but not everyone has been doing the right thing. This is where people were caught out.
East
Don't miss out on the headlines from East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
Visitors to the Twelve Apostles who ignored closure warnings and people illegally riding trail bikes have been fined as Victorians flocked back to parks and reserves in record numbers.
With coronavirus restrictions easing, Parks Victoria said last weekend was busy at some parks and reserves in Melbourne and regional Victoria.
In a statement, the authority said more than 10,000 people visited the 1000 Steps, and there was the largest number of visitors on record at Werribee Gorge State Park.
Parks Victoria said while most people exercised caution and followed physical distancing guidelines, some people were seen by staff doing the wrong thing, including leaving rubbish, ignoring closed areas, and illegally camping.
During weekend patrols, Parks Victoria worked with the Office of the Conservation Regulator and Victoria Police.
MORE NEWS: 1000 STEPS REOPENS AFTER CORONAVIRUS LOCKDOWN
WHERE VIRUS HAS POPPED UP DURING NEW-FOUND FREEDOM
EVERYTHING YOU CAN DO IN MELBOURNE WITH RESTRICTIONS EASING
Across the Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park, 62 infringement notices were issued for illegal trail bike riding worth $165 each and police issued 10 infringement notices on Saturday worth $1652 each for people ignoring closures at the Twelve Apostles.
Lillydale Lake was also packed with visitors over the weekend.
Yarra Ranges environment and infrastructure director Mark Varmalis said the enforcement of social distancing restrictions sat with Victoria Police, but if anyone had a concern they should continue to report it via the DHHS coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.
“We will continue to support and promote the State Government’s messaging that people should only be leaving their homes for five reasons: Essential shopping, exercise, medical care, work or study if this can’t be done from home, and visiting friends and family if they really need to,” Mr Varmalis said.
Parks Victoria said while many of Victoria’s parks and reserves were open, it was important the public remembered that physical distancing directions remained in place, and that if you could stay at home – you must stay at home.