A 4WD driver who ignored signs advising a Northern Rivers national park was closed, got stuck and abandoned the car, has been fined nearly $5,000 for the adventure.
Mooball National Park is currently closed to the public until early 2024 while flood repairs continue, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services said last week.
The agency said several significant landslips had impacted Baranbali Road and Wabba Road.
‘The roads in Mooball National Park are closed because there is a legitimate risk to the safety of visitors driving on those roads,’ NPWS Principal Project Officer Silas Sutherland said.
‘The driver ignored three separate signs stating, “Park Closed” and “Road Closed” to reach its final destination,’ Mr Sutherland said.
‘The vehicle was found abandoned in steep terrain, and a number of NPWS staff, tow trucks and large plant were needed to retrieve it.’
Staff told The Echo they found the 4WD on 15 October after the driver left the park on foot.
The agency said no other people or vehicles were involved in the incident and that it subsequently fined the driver $4,800 alongside formal cautions.
‘By ignoring the closures, you not only put yourself at risk but you are exacerbating the damage and making it more difficult for us to repair,’ Mr Sutherland said.
For more information on Mooball National Park or other park or part park closures visit the NPWS website.
NB: This article was updated at 2pm on Monday 20 November to include confirmation by NNPWS staff of two facts pertaining to date of alleged incident and presence of passengers and/or other cars.
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