People obviously steal cars, and drive them as far as they can go, down a bush track - then set fire to the vehicle.
In this case, the car was dumped in the middle of the track at the entrance to the Budderoo National Park at the start of the Budderoo Fire Trail (approx. 1 Km off the Jamberoo Mountain Road). This is approximately 10 Km s-e from Robertson.
Fortunately, in this case, the roadway (turning circle) was wide enough that when the car was burnt, it did not set fire to the bush. A similar incident at Missingham Lookout (near Belmore Falls) several months resulted in a fire in the bush, which was put out by the National Parks staff from the Morton Office (Fitzroy Falls). That fire destroyed the public toilet facilities at Belmore Falls. It could have been much worse if the fire had not been detected early.The Budderoo Plateau is sensitive habitat, if the fire had spread from the turning point on the Budderoo Track it could easily have spread. The Budderoo Plateau is a sensitive environment, and is home to a number of endangered species, such as the Ground Parrot and the Eastern Bristlebird and no doubt many other species, some of which are probably not even reported as yet. (Many insects and frog species are barely known.)
This is just one of many burnt-out vehicles which I have found in the bush. This one is unusual in that the number plates are still recognisable.
Presumed Stolen Car
NSW Registration BB*12*KO
Mitsubishi 4WD vehicle (possibly a Pajero, but I am not an expert).
Mitsubishi 4WD vehicle (possibly a Pajero, but I am not an expert).
*** I had written "This is part of life in the bush which I simply do not understand", but on reflection, I believe it is something which reaches its conclusion in the bush, but I suspect it is actually part of the urban life cycle of disconnected people for whom crime and dangerous vandalism seems "normal". To me it seems a totally alien part of life.I do not like it.
I certainly do not understand it.
****** ****** ******
Silly me.
I went to report this incident to the Robertson Police Station today (Friday).
It was closed.
There is a button to press, which apparently would connect with another Police Station which is "manned".
The sign indicated I ought not use that button unless it was an emergency.
Clearly this is not such a case.
There is another notice telling me to ring the Police Assistance Line (PAL)
The number is 131 444
Apparently the PAL line is staffed at Lithgow or Tuggerah Police Stations.
They are respectively 224 Km and 228 Km distant from Robertson.
Am I missing something?
Silly me.
I went to report this incident to the Robertson Police Station today (Friday).
It was closed.
There is a button to press, which apparently would connect with another Police Station which is "manned".
The sign indicated I ought not use that button unless it was an emergency.
Clearly this is not such a case.
There is another notice telling me to ring the Police Assistance Line (PAL)
The number is 131 444
Apparently the PAL line is staffed at Lithgow or Tuggerah Police Stations.
They are respectively 224 Km and 228 Km distant from Robertson.
Am I missing something?
