Public access to Craigbourne Dam blocked by mystery boulders

Fishers on the way to Craigbourne Dam have been met with an unusual roadblock - giant boulders blocking access to the popular fishing spot. Why the community is furious.

Two large boulders are obstructing the path to Craigbourne Dam. Image: Supplied.

A community has been left baffled after large boulders mysteriously appeared on the access road to a popular fishing spot, preventing access.

On Tuesday there was one large boulder and several smaller rocks blocking a gate along Craigbourne Road, which leads to the Craigbourne dam.

The obstructions were removed by the Southern Midlands Council, but shortly after, they were replaced by two more large boulders.

Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Tasmania spokesman Adrian Pickin said there had been a dispute over the access road, which had been going on for years.

“It’s more often than not, it seems to be an ongoing issue,” he said.

“The boulders are the latest in the saga.”

Two large boulders are obstructing the path to Craigbourne Dam. Image: Supplied.

It’s alleged a local landowner was the one preventing public access.

Mr Pickin said the Craigbourne dam was a popular fishing spot for the community.

“That’s well stocked, it’s an easy access point for people to fish ... it’s one of the closest places for people to take their kids fishing,” he said.

“It’s a safe dam as well which is really good too and people with disabilities can get down to that.

“For someone to stop that leisurely activity out of pettiness is poor form.”

Mr Pickin said the community would keep fighting to maintain access to the dam.

“Too many people are willing to make noise … and that’s the beauty of social media, people can let others know quickly when this sort of anti-social behaviour happens.

“They would prefer the authorities come down with a big stick and stop it once and for all.”

Southern Midlands Council mayor Edwin Batt said the council and Tasmania Police were investigating.

“The boulders have been placed by unknown persons at this point of time, but council is working closely with Tasmania Police to identify the person(s) responsible,” Mr Batt said.

Edwin Batt.

“It is the council’s understanding that the efforts to block the road relate to supposed allegations of trespass.

“Council has taken actions to remove the boulders and will continue to take all appropriate actions in consultation with Tasmania Police to ensure that this public road remains open and accessible.

Mr Batt said it was an unusual situation for the council to deal with.

“Dealing with obstructions which are being deliberately placed across a public road with the intention of preventing access is certainly an unusual situation,” he said.

Whilst the person(s) responsible may believe there is justification for whatever reason, this is certainly not permissible and Council, in consultation with Tasmania Police, will continue to address the matter.