By Callum Ludwig
Vandals struck at a popular picnic spot in Millgrove over the long weekend, much to the dismay of residents.
Tire tracks and an uprooted shelter were left in the wake of the incident at the Dee Road picnic ground, which offers a stunning view of the Upper Yarra and access to the O’Shannessy Aqueduct Trail.
Parks Victoria Acting District Manager Craig Albiston said staff reported damage to the Dee Road picnic ground during a weekend patrol.
“It’s disappointing to see this kind of damage to our facilities which we always strive to keep open, safe and clean for everyone to enjoy,” he said.
“This week, we’ve cleaned up the fallen shelter and blocked off the entrance to the open space so cars can’t drive over it again.”
Incidents like this can result in park closures and costly repairs, which impact the local community, residents and visitors.
Vehicles must stay on formed roads and tracks when on public land. It is an offence, and endangers visitors, to drive or ride on natural terrain, walking trails, cycling trails, closed roads, restricted access areas, in streams or on informal single tracks.
A resident posted images of the aftermath on the ‘Warburton – residents, past and present’ Facebook group and the post has garnered 50 comments and 65 reactions.
One comment read “Sadly Warburton is getting a bad name for violence and robbery and destructive behaviour, very sad to ruin such a beautiful place.”
Another comment mentioned that there used to be a security camera at the site in previous years, with concealed cameras a common, regulated practice of Parks Victoria at sites where alleged offences have been reported.
Other commenters wondered whether it was caused by offenders who allegedly perform similar acts at Wesburn Park: “Might be the same dipsticks that shred the Wesburn ovals.”
“You can bet as soon as it rains out they come to have fun tearing up the grass at Wesburn Park.”
If visitors observe anyone causing damage to any park infrastructure such as buildings, gates or barriers or any other criminal activity such as theft from motor vehicles, they are advised to contact Police.
If anyone has any information regarding environmental offences in a park such as damage to vegetation, cutting of firewood, carriage of firearms or taking of wildlife contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or email info@parks.vic.gov.au.
For all offences, it is most helpful to record vehicle details and registration numbers, an accurate description of any offenders and as precise details as possible of the location of any offence.
