Authorities are appealing for information following vandalism at the popular Greenfield Beach Picnic Area in Jervis Bay National Park.
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Acting Area Manager with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Nathan Cattell, said over recent months vandalism at this family-friendly picnic area has hit unprecedented levels, with regular reports of damage and anti-social behaviour.
"We are working with the NSW Police to try to control this behaviour that is stopping others from enjoying the site," Mr Cattell said.
"Damage to visitor facilities, including destroying the toilet block and sinks not only costs thousands of dollars to repair but also leaves the area out of action while we clean up.
"Broken glass and smashed bottles are also littering the site which makes the area unsafe for people who are having a picnic or stopping off along their bushwalk.
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Over recent months vandalism at this family-friendly picnic area has hit unprecedented levels, with regular reports of damage and anti-social behaviour.
- Acting Area Manager with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Nathan Cattell
"The time to repair vandalised facilities takes staff away from other critical jobs including maintenance of walking trails, other visitor facilities and conservation work."
He said NPWS is working closely with the local police and both agencies will be stepping up patrols to control this anti-social behaviour and find who is responsible.
"Local residents have been very helpful in providing information as part of this investigation and we ask anyone with information to please come forward," he said.
"This is not a one off. There has been consistent vandalism at the site prompting NPWS to install remotely active CCTV cameras and other measures to curb this behaviour.
"Jervis Bay National Park is world renowned, attracting visitors from overseas and Australia and we want them to enjoy the area's natural beauty and not see broken, vandalised facilities."
This deliberate damage at Greenfield Beach is a criminal offence, attracting fines of between $500 and $10,000.
Anyone with any information regarding the vandalism is urged to call NPWS at Ulladulla on 02 4454 9500, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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