Council staff take great pride in providing high-quality parks and reserves for the community to enjoy, as we understand how important these natural spaces are for physical and mental wellbeing, especially now more than ever.
Recently, it has been pleasing to see an increase in the number of people using and enjoying Casey’s parks and bushland reserves. However, there has also been an increase of illegal vegetation clearing and the creation of bike jumps in many parks and bushland reserves.
We ask that everyone, including young people, remain on paths and avoid using informal tracks and vandalising (cutting/removing) vegetation.
Parents are encouraged to monitor the behaviour of their children when using the parks to ensure our natural environments are cared for by all.
Why stay on maintained paths?
- These paths provide a safe place for walking, running, and cycling for everyone.
- Using informal paths e.g. ‘goat tracks’ in the bush encourages the movement of pest animals like foxes who predate on native animals.
- Expanding informal tracks reduces the amount of food and habitat (homes and refuge) for native animals.
Why no cutting of vegetation?
- Native plants and sometimes weeds, provide habitats for native animals like koalas, possums, antechinus, bandicoots, small birds, and echidnas, all of which call Casey home.
- Native plants are a food source for these native animals.
- Vegetation also provides refuge for small mammals, small birds, and reptiles like blue tongue lizards from foxes and cats.
- Cleared areas increase the chance of erosion and run-off of sediment into local waterways after large rain events, impacting on aquatic animals and plants.
Fallen branches and debris are an important part of a healthy ecosystem for many native animals as they provide habitats for reptiles and thousands of invertebrates that are a food source for other animals.
Fines up to $825.00 per offence can be issued under Section 42(1) of Casey Community Local Law 2018 as well as fines starting at $1600.00 for breaches of the planning scheme.
Everyone has a part to play in looking after our amazing native wildlife and we thank you for your cooperation.
