Chris Dobney
A Mullum Creek resident says it is a miracle no one was killed or injured during an illegal doof on Saturday night in rough terrain in Mount Jerusalem National Park.
The man, who wrote to Echonetdaily on grounds of anonymity, described the location as ‘dangerous site for nocturnal activities – one small step too far to the cliffs, and you’re gone.’
‘Shame on those who organised it. Those that attended, please think about the impact you have now had on the park and the surrounding people,’ he said.
‘A lovely peaceful site [was] trashed’ and ‘24 hours of penetrating sound waves’ saw ‘locals upset and tourists leaving early,’ he added
The resident also expressed concern about the failure of police to close down the event.
‘Police seem ineffective and understaffed, despite many, many calls for help. Sympathetic, but hey…’
Sergeant Neaves from Tweed Byron Local Area Command told Echonetdaily that officers had ‘issued a noise abatement direction’ which ‘effectively closed down the party’ but that it ‘started up again later on’.
Sgt Neaves said the combination of wet weather and unsafe terrain prevented police from returning.
‘It was a very wet night and the site became inaccessible,’ he said.
NPWS investigating
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Tweed Kyogle Area Manager Damien Hofmeyer said he only learnt of the incident on Monday morning.
‘While we welcome people enjoying their parks, these large unauthorised events cause lots of damage and disturbance to neighbouring residents,’ he said.
‘Large amounts of rubbish were strewn throughout the bush, vegetation was trampled, domestic dogs were brought in, and loud noise for 24 hours impacted on neighbours and native wildlife,’ Mr Hofmeyer added.
‘The roads have sustained substantial damage. Neighbours’ driveways and access roads were blocked by dozens of cars at the site, which would have prevented their exit in the event of an emergency such as an urgent medical condition.’
‘NPWS does not condone this type of party on park. If anyone has any information on the doof held in the national park last weekend, please call 6670 8600. All information will be treated in the strictest of confidence,’ Mr Hofmeyer said.
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