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General Category => News Views & Press Releases => Topic started by: Editor on January 16, 2013, 10:19:20 AM
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Arson damages Lake Eacham facilities
15 January 2013 - Qld Dept of NPRSR
Visitors to Lake Eacham in Crater Lakes National Park on the Atherton Tableland have had reduced toilet facilities since an arson attack on Friday 11 January 2013.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) Area Manager Andrew Millerd said rangers found the damaged toilet block and roadside signage early in Saturday morning during their patrol.
“This is senseless damage to one of our most popular and iconic parks at one of the busiest times of the year,” Mr Millerd said.
“The damage is significant and the toilets had to be closed while a plumber was called in to undertake urgent repairs. They should be fully repaired by the end of the week.
”A steel door to a storeroom had been broken off, and a fire had been lit in the storeroom, which could have burnt the building out.
“Fortunately the fire melted the water pipes, releasing water that extinguished the fire.
“Many council and QPWS roadside signs were also flattened.
“Lake Eacham has been immensely popular over recent weeks due to the hot conditions, and this senseless act simply makes the site less attractive for families and visitors to the area.
“The mess, cost and loss of time are very disheartening for the rangers, who look after the Tableland’s beautiful parks for the enjoyment of locals and visitors.
“This incident follows vandalism and theft at the park office in June 2012, and trashing of the picnic area and lake last Australia Day.
“Queensland Police and the forensic investigation unit have attended the crime scene, and police are treating the damage to the toilet block as attempted arson.
“The toilet was repaired so that limited use was possible on Saturday. Further repairs this week should bring the toilets back into full use. The cost to repair the toilets is over $2000 but could have been much higher, had the fire spread.
“The signage cost is unknown at this stage,” Mr Millerd said.
Anyone with information in relation to this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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