Mr ADAMSON - 1994-10-11
In recent years, the Conservation Commission has spent a great deal of money on improving and enhancing the natural attractions of the Casuarina Coastal Reserve to the extent
Page 216
that the reserve is now one of the most popular, if not the most popular, parks in the Territory. Is the minister aware of the spate of vandalism that has been occurring in the coastal reserve and Holmes Jungle recently? What can be done to halt this type of crime?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, Casuarina Coastal Reserve has 200 000 visitors a year. It is a very popular reserve. Unfortunately, there is a form of low-life out there, apart from those that we have opposite us here.
Members interjecting.
Mr COULTER: Directly opposite.
Mr Speaker, a considerable amount of damage has been done. On 8 August, solar lighting equipment worth $12 000 was stolen from the Lee Point picnic area. On 17 August, interpretative signs at Holmes Jungle picnic area were destroyed at a cost of $3000. During the month of August, 30 sprinklers went missing from Holmes Jungle and these are worth about $1000. At the start of September, 2 solar panels were stolen from the toilet block at Holmes Jungle picnic area. That is merely an indication of some of the damage that has been done in this area that we are trying to beautify as a magnificent place for people to meet and relax.
I note that the member for Casuarina recently convened a public meeting at the reserve to discuss plans and the problems that local residents were having. I do not know what we can do. Most of this theft or damage is reported on Monday mornings. Many locals who frequent the reserve have been cleaning up the area after weekend parties. A particular problem is bottles that have been smashed on the roads. Apart from erecting barricades or having rangers on duty 24 hours a day, I am not sure what we can do. Given that 200000 people visit the reserve, somebody must see this type of activityoccurring. Somebody must know who has the solar panels, solar lighting equipment or the sprinklers etc. I appeal to the public on this. If people have any information at all that can lead to the arrest of those who are vandalising and stealing, they should contact the police, the Conservation Commission or indeed their local member. I commend the member for Casuarina for his concern and his activities. I hope that, with a concerted effort, we may be able to achieve better public awareness and that people will report damage, theft and general littering.
The fact that people are smashing glass bottles in the car park shows total disrespect for the area. There are many bins available for bottles and rubbish. These people are simply too lazy to use them. If people see this type of activity, I appeal to them to report it to assist us to make this a truly magnificent place for its 200 000 visitors. Perhaps only a handful of people, perhaps 20, are responsible for this damage and theft. It has to be stopped, but that can be done only if the public make it clear that it will not tolerate this behaviour. Commission officers cannot be there 24 hours a day. I thank the member for Casuarina for his efforts in terms of holding public meetings etc.
Page 217
Page 216
that the reserve is now one of the most popular, if not the most popular, parks in the Territory. Is the minister aware of the spate of vandalism that has been occurring in the coastal reserve and Holmes Jungle recently? What can be done to halt this type of crime?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, Casuarina Coastal Reserve has 200 000 visitors a year. It is a very popular reserve. Unfortunately, there is a form of low-life out there, apart from those that we have opposite us here.
Members interjecting.
Mr COULTER: Directly opposite.
Mr Speaker, a considerable amount of damage has been done. On 8 August, solar lighting equipment worth $12 000 was stolen from the Lee Point picnic area. On 17 August, interpretative signs at Holmes Jungle picnic area were destroyed at a cost of $3000. During the month of August, 30 sprinklers went missing from Holmes Jungle and these are worth about $1000. At the start of September, 2 solar panels were stolen from the toilet block at Holmes Jungle picnic area. That is merely an indication of some of the damage that has been done in this area that we are trying to beautify as a magnificent place for people to meet and relax.
I note that the member for Casuarina recently convened a public meeting at the reserve to discuss plans and the problems that local residents were having. I do not know what we can do. Most of this theft or damage is reported on Monday mornings. Many locals who frequent the reserve have been cleaning up the area after weekend parties. A particular problem is bottles that have been smashed on the roads. Apart from erecting barricades or having rangers on duty 24 hours a day, I am not sure what we can do. Given that 200000 people visit the reserve, somebody must see this type of activityoccurring. Somebody must know who has the solar panels, solar lighting equipment or the sprinklers etc. I appeal to the public on this. If people have any information at all that can lead to the arrest of those who are vandalising and stealing, they should contact the police, the Conservation Commission or indeed their local member. I commend the member for Casuarina for his concern and his activities. I hope that, with a concerted effort, we may be able to achieve better public awareness and that people will report damage, theft and general littering.
The fact that people are smashing glass bottles in the car park shows total disrespect for the area. There are many bins available for bottles and rubbish. These people are simply too lazy to use them. If people see this type of activity, I appeal to them to report it to assist us to make this a truly magnificent place for its 200 000 visitors. Perhaps only a handful of people, perhaps 20, are responsible for this damage and theft. It has to be stopped, but that can be done only if the public make it clear that it will not tolerate this behaviour. Commission officers cannot be there 24 hours a day. I thank the member for Casuarina for his efforts in terms of holding public meetings etc.
Page 217
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016