NPWS and 4WD clubs clean-up Yellomundee Regional Park
Media release: 26 September 2008
The wreckage of five dumped cars has been removed from Yellomundee Regional Park in a successful joint clean up operation involving the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the Blue Mountains and Kamikaze 4WD Clubs.
The operation was overseen by local NPWS ranger David Monahan and involved nineteen 4WD club volunteers using 4WDs, winches and trailers to extract the wrecks from bushland.
"Overall it was a very productive clean-up and a great example of coordinated operations between parks and local four-wheel-drive enthusiasts," Mr Monahan said.
"NPWS rangers had earlier identified the location of the wrecks, recording the GPS coordinates, and linking up with these great 4WD volunteers who then came in with their combined experience and skilled recovery techniques to help remove the unsightly and potentially dangerous wrecks from the park."
"Altogether we hauled out eight separate pieces of dumped cars totalling over three tonnes of scrap metal which were later retrieved for recycling. The day was an excellent example of the NPWS and four wheel groups working together to help the environment."
Ranger Monahan said, "This cooperative program is an extension of previous clean-up activities aimed at restoring the values of these special lands bordering the edge of Sydney's Cumberland Plain and the magnificent Hawkesbury Nepean River."
"One further such effort from the vehicle recovery team will see Yellomundee Regional Park free from dumped vehicle waste so work can then begin on the next exciting NPWS management campaign in this reserve, the YRP Lantana Threat Abatement Plan project."
"I think our actions speak volumes for how seriously we care for the environment," said Blue Mountains 4WD Club President Tony Ellery."
"Our Club, our friends from the Kamikaze 4WD Club, and the 4WD Club movement in general do care about the bush and are willing to assist in community projects like this."
"Thanks go to our 4WD Club Liaison Officers Darryl Hardiman and Bob Wilcox, and our eager volunteers, together with local residents for their patience and especially to park neighbour Tony Di Laberto for allowing the wrecks to be stored prior to recycling."
Mr Ellery added that the club is happy to assist local councils and parks authorities in projects like removing car wrecks, which the club has been actively doing for several years now.
The Department of Environment and Climate Change reminds people that the dumping of vehicles and rubbish in regional or national parks is illegal.
Penalties range from a $750 on-the-spot fine upwards to $250,000 if the matter goes to court.
Contact: Emma Petersen