Qld Environment say they have identified the people who built the hut in a remote area of the park.
Regional Director Great Barrier Reef and Marine Parks Region Tina Alderson says it is illegal to build any structure in a protected area.
“Building an illegal structure in a protected area essentially excludes others from the area and causes damage to the environment,” she says.
“This hut was also used as a base for other illegal activities.”
According to the department, these activities included building fires, illegal clearing and use of trees to build the hut, bringing dogs in, hunting with guns and other weapons, and driving offences such as driving in restricted areas, use of unregistered vehicles and traveling with unrestrained people.
“People who want to build a hut for their own personal use for activities such as fishing, hunting and vehicle-based activities can do so on private land but not in a national park,” Alderson points out.
“Multiple fines and warnings were issued for illegal activity within the protected areas of Curtis Island and 18 offenders have been identified.”
She says two people were each fined more than $1000.
“QPWS is serious about compliance and anyone who builds an illegal structure in a protected area will be caught,” she says.
Anyone with information about illegal activities in Queensland’s protected areas can call 1300 130 372, anonymously if they want.
CRACKDOWN IN PARKS
Rangers have also been targeting illegal vehicle activity after complaints about illegal motorcycle riding in protected parks and forests.
Senior Ranger Greg says that people cannot think they can break the law just because they are in a state forest or national park.
“If you wouldn’t do it in the middle of Stanthorpe or the local botanic gardens, don’t do it in a national park or State forest,” he says.
“Illegal riding of motorbikes not only endangers riders but also threatens the safety of visitors, our staff, wildlife, and the environment.”
Rangers have already talked to people camping, fossicking and riding illegally in Broadwater State Forest, Main Range National Park, Durikai State Forest and Girraween National Park.
A 56-year-old Stanthorpe man was fined $1288 after he and his teenage son were found riding motorbikes in an area closed to all motor vehicles. The teenager was riding an unregistered motorbike and didn’t hold a driver’s licence, the government says.
A $322 fine was also issued at Main Range park after a group of four were found camping with only a single-person camping permit.
A $483 fine was also issued to a person fossicking without a licence.
The government says a fossicking licence for an individual costs $9.33 a month and a camping permit costs $7.25 per person per night except for children under the age of 5 years.
