Frankston Council shuts down section of Seaford wetlands ravaged by hoons
HOONS on illegal monkey and dirt bikes have wrecked parts of the sensitive Seaford Wetlands, forcing the council to close parts of it off completely.
South East
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HOONS on illegal monkey and dirt bikes have damaged Seaford Wetlands, forcing the council to close part of the area to the public.
Mayor Brian Cunial said the bikes had caused damage in the fenced conservation area of the wetlands.
“Due to the destruction, this area will be closed until further notice and monitored by rangers to enable the vegetation to recover,” Cr Cunial said.
“This decision hasn’t been made lightly and follows extensive damage to native vegetation and consultation with residents and is in the best interests of public safety for all reserve users.”
Wetlands friends group vice president Robin Clarey said she supported the closure, particularly because the hooning had been an ongoing issue.
“It does occur periodically — I shout at them,” Ms Clarey said.
“It happens and they should not be in there.”
Ms Clarey said the wetlands environment was highly sensitive, noting it was RAMSAR listed.
Police arrested several people, including a man in his 30s, after receiving a tip off from residents about hoons tearing through the area late last month.
Cr Cunial said council had crushed about 300 impounded monkey bikes since a ban on them came into force in 2007.
“They are mostly ridden by children who are not in a position to fully understand the road rules and pose a genuine risk to themselves and the community,” he said.
To report hooning, phone 1800 333 000 and for emergencies, phone 000.
