Secret National Park hides visitors in hot water

A secret cabin, built, built in the depths of Queensland National Park by illegally cut down trees, landing a group of vacationers in hot water, and the Rangers slapped them with a fine of nearly $8,000.

The carefully crafted program found in Curtis Island National Park involves the regular use of unauthorized cottages for visitors.

The discovery prompted authorities to issue a harsh warning to respect the protected areas.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services (QPWS) rangers launched a target patrol after an unusual event on the island last year.

Their investigation shows that illegal structures and a range of other illegal activities exist on the remote coastal island of Constellation.

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An illegal hut was found in Curtis Island. Source: detsi

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Carry surfboards on off-road vehicles in the national park area. Source: detsi

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According to the Ministry of Environment, 18 people have been identified as participating in secret construction projects.

Tina Alderson, regional director of the Great Barrier Reef and Ocean Parks region, stressed the importance of complying with the law in a statement.

“The establishment of illegal structures in protected areas essentially excludes other areas and causes damage to the environment,” she said.

“This cabin is also used as the basis for other illegal activities.”

“People who want to build huts at events like fishing, hunting and vehicle-based activities can do it on private land, rather than in national parks.”

Although the cabin was first discovered in August, its removal has been delayed due to recent wet weather. Authorities vowed to remove the structure.

“QPWS takes compliance seriously and anyone who builds an illegal structure in the reserve will be caught,” Ms. Alderson said.

Illegal activities are fined after discovery

Surveillance of the area around the cabin shows a catalog of illegal activities, including illegal fires, bringing domestic dogs into reserves, hunting with guns, and driving two vehicles in restricted access areas and unregistered vehicles.

Illegal cut down of trees to build cabins complicate crime.

“So far, we have issued 22 infringement notices totaling $7,606, including two fines for more than $1,000,” Ms. Alderson said.

Illegal national park activities involve more than a dozen people. Source: detsi

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Curtis Island, the third largest continental island in Queensland, is described by the Queensland Department of Environment as a hidden gem with “wind-cut shrubs, diverse birds and pristine beaches”.

It is also home to the endangered Capricorn yellow chat and threatening tortoises, according to ABC.