Two drivers are facing hefty damage bills after their four-wheel drive vehicles became bogged on a protected salt pan in North Queensland.<\/p>\n
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One Townsville towing company has responded to four incidents of bogged vehicles on the salt pans. (Supplied: DETSI)<\/p>\n
The Department of Environment says both drivers had to abandon their cars on the Bowling Green National Park, about 30 kilometres south of Townsville, in early August.<\/p>\n
One of the cars has been retrieved. The other is still stuck.<\/p>\n
The salt pan is protected under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international significance, and supports crustaceans, worms and birdlife.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Senior conservation officer Craig Dunk said driving on salt pans could also prove costly.<\/p>\n
“Vehicles that get bogged on the salt pans can be written-off by the tides and it can cost thousands to have them retrieved,” he said.Loading…<\/p>\n
The ABC understands both drivers have been issued show-cause notices, but not yet been fined. The maximum penalty for unauthorised use of a vehicle in a protected area is $3,226.<\/p>\n
“The advice of rangers is that four-wheel-drive enthusiasts in the Townsville region should find other, legal locations for these activities,” he said.<\/p>\n
The Environment Department has repeatedly warned about the risks of driving on salt pans, which it said uprooted vegetation, caused soil compaction, and disturbed bird and crustacean populations.<\/p>\n
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This ute was bogged on the salt pan in 2023 (Supplied: DETSI)<\/p>\n
Cars destroyed<\/p>\n
Tow truck driver Steve Colborne, who helped retrieve one of the vehicles, said they had become stuck about a kilometre away from hard ground.<\/p>\n
It appeared the second car became stuck trying to rescue the first.<\/p>\n
“He’s got bogged, called his friend to get him out, and he’s also got bogged.”<\/p>\n