Surfers taking part in an event at Cosy Corner at Byron Bay on Sunday were met with piles of rubbish and human excrement left over from an illegal party.
National Parks and Wildlife Service staff were left to clean up after the party, prompting the service to issue a warning that it would continue cracking down on such events.
NPSW area manager Sue Walker said the service would step-up patrols and call for information in an effort to curb illegal beach parties.
The weekend party took place in the Cosy Corner area of Cape Byron State Conservation Area.
Ms Walker said Cosy Corner and the Tallow Beach carpark were left in a mess, with rubbish, broken glass, human excrement and illegal camping, all damaging the environment.
‘This greatly impacted on the approved community Byron Bay Boardriders surfing event,’ she said.
‘The safety of park visitors is paramount to NPWS, and illegal activities compromising people’s safety will not be tolerated,” said Sue Walker.
‘Visitors are asked to report all illegal activities and anti-social behaviour seen in the park to the NPWS office or local police.
‘Details of vehicles or descriptions of people involved in these activities can be made confidentially and all reports will be investigated.
‘The NPWS staff and the police were busy on Sunday morning dealing with this illegal party. Cleaning up the rubbish and human excrement after illegal parties places an unnecessary drain on staff resources.
‘Beach parties, camping, alcohol, littering and fires in a National Park is illegal under the National Parks and Wildlife Act and poses fines. NPWS has previously fined organisers and is progressing prosecution for previous illegal parties at Tallow Creek. Early morning and late afternoon compliance patrols will continue and fines for illegal activities including dogs in park will be actioned.
‘In these cases the illegal parties have not only harmed the environment but also presented a health and safety risk to park users.
‘Cape Byron State Conservation Area and Arakwal National Park were created as part of a Native Title agreement between the Bundjalung of Byron Bay Arakwal people and the NSW Government and has enormous cultural significance to the local Aboriginal community. They are also special places for our wildlife and are a great place to enjoy the beach and the beautiful environment.
‘Illegal parties and those vandalising the park disrupt the tranquil nature of these areas and it’s the last thing the local community and visitors want to see or hear.
‘Anyone with information is asked to contact NPWS on 6620 9300 or police in the interests of the entire community,’ Ms Walker said.
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