Grampians visitor receives ‘aggressive’ letter threatening $346,000 fine

A person who recently visited Grampians National Park has received a threatening letter warning of a fine in excess of $346,000.

The letter from the Department of Premier and Cabinet says the person’s vehicle has been identified in “multiple alleged offences” under the Aboriginal Heritage Act.

Australian Climbing Association Victorian president Mike Tomkins says park rangers have been noting down number plates for vehicles parked on roads in the national park for years, but this is the first time someone has been door knocked and received an “aggressive” letter.

Press PLAY below to hear what Mr Tomkins says is happening in Grampians National Park

“It’s a fishing expedition really, it’s attempting to get someone to confess to something that they may or not be doing,” he told Neil Mitchell. “That could have been a photographer, could have been a birdwatcher, a hiker, someone going to see the spring wildflowers at the moment.”

Rock climbing is banned in 80 per cent of the national park.