Australians are being reminded of the serious penalties in place for defacing natural resources in a protected area, after several rocks were found vandalised in a popular east coast national park.
Speaking to Yahoo News, a spokesman for the Queensland Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) said the graffiti attack occurred in Bowling Green Bay National Park in Townsville back in late July, but it’s using the incident as a timely reminder this week about the damage vandalism can cause and the heavy penalties that apply.
The DETSI spokesman said multiple rocks were found covered in graffiti, and confirmed that the fines in place in the state range from $1,613 for individuals and up to an incredible $26,600 if the matter were taken to court.
The graffiti attack occurred in Bowling Green Bay National Park in Townsville. Source: Queensland National Parks
The department said one person was let off with a warning over the graffiti, and it encouraged the public to get in contact if they recognised any of the markings written on the rocks. “QPWS Rangers recently discovered vandalism on rocks in Bowling Green Bay National Park. One person has been interviewed and issued a formal warning in relation to graffiti made with chalk paint,” it said.
“Unfortunately, another instance of graffiti remains on the rocks. While it may have been done with ‘romantic intentions’, defacing cultural or natural resources in a protected area is an offence.”
Pictures of the incident show the words “FI$HA and DEBS 4EVA” imprinted on the rock. DETSI urges anyone who recognises the apparent couple to make a report anonymously by calling 1300 130 372 or report directly to Queensland Police Service via Policelink.
“For the love of parks, never graffiti trees or park infrastructure. Take only photographs, leave nothing but footprints and help us keep our parks beautiful and natural — for everyone to enjoy,” it added.
The chalk paint has since been removed, and the government urges people who witness “someone carving into trees, spraying rocks, or any other kind of vandalism” in Queensland national parks to immediately report it. “Graffiti does not belong in Queensland’s protected areas,” it said.
Why is it so important to protect natural resources like rocks?
While graffiti and other forms of vandalism might seem harmless to some, defacing rocks is illegal across Australia — and especially serious in national parks. In Queensland, protected areas are covered by strict conservation laws that explicitly list “defacing a rock with graffiti” as a prohibited act.
Authorities say such damage doesn’t just spoil the natural beauty of the landscape, but it can also permanently scar culturally and environmentally significant sites. Rocks in national parks may hold geological importance, ancient markings, or cultural heritage values for Traditional Owners.
Those caught tagging or carving into park features can face heavy penalties. In Queensland, the maximum court-ordered fine for damaging or defacing a natural feature in a protected area is more than $26,000, reflecting the seriousness with which the offence is treated. Rangers and police also have the power to issue on-the-spot fines.
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