By Oliver Winn
Mount Donna Buang’s cherished natural spring water collection site has been trashed by hoon drivers.
Brian Way said he was visiting the site when he came across large amounts of burnt rubber strewn across the asphalt
“It always has all the burnout marks, but this was the worst I’ve ever seen,” he said.
“It was to the point where if you walked through it, you had to sort of step over the bits of rubber to avoid them, and from time to time there’s often a burnt out car up there as well.”
Hoon behaviour along Mount Donna Buang Road has been happening for a long time now, and Mr Way felt nothing was being done about it.
But the Yarra Ranges Highway Patrol acting sergeant Steve Jenner said they were aware of hoon driving at Mount Donna Buang.
“Members of the Eastern Division 2 Highway Patrol Unit – Road Crime Tasking Team, have intensified their efforts to address hoon driving complaints in and around the Mount Donna Buang carparks,” Mr Jenner said.
“Following thorough investigations, a search warrant was executed at a Dixons Creek residence, leading to the identification of a man in his early 20s. He is set to face multiple charges related to hoon driving and will be summoned to appear in court.”
“The investigation also uncovered two additional young males involved in similar offences. They will also be charged and summonsed to attend court later this year.”
Mount Donna Buang’s natural spring water collection site has attracted many visitors over the years – both locals and tourists come to collect fresh spring water, go for a hike or have a picnic as they enjoy the natural beauty of the landscape.
But Mr Way is worried for the future of the spring water site.
He said his main issue was the disregard for the environment and the spring water site itself.
“But my main issue is all the debris from the burnt out tires – it’s a pristine ecological area, you’ve got all the beautiful gum trees around you’ve got tree furs and there’s a walk that comes through it.”
Mr Way believed cameras needed to be installed at the site to catch the culprits in the act.
He also reported burnt out car shells in the carpark being left there for months, which lead him to question who was responsible for keeping the area maintained.
“Often the cars are left up there for, in some cases, months at a time. I’m not so sure who’s responsible for retrieving them.”
“So it’s just like no one’s really seeming to address it. It’s just been going on and on and on for a long while,” he said.
