Excerpt from a letter from the Department for Environment and heritage
A recent inspection of Cole Crossing by officers from the Alexandrina Council and NPWSA identified many issues of concern including the severe erosion. Large water filled holes have been dug to a depth of 1500 mm creating a safety hazard for vehicles and the general public. As well, numerous new tracks have been cut across the Finniss River, collapsing banks and destroying vegetation.
Cole Crossing is part of a dedicated Conservation Park under the NPW Act 1972, and therefore site protection is paramount. This will only be possible by intervening in the destructive processes and preventing future degradation. Through a program of fencing and revegetation, the area will be reinstated back to its natural state. Realignment of road reserves will be initiated simultaneously to rationalise land tenure and to maintain access across the Finniss River on Cole Crossing road.
In partnership with the Alexandrina Council, it is our intention to close the Cole Crossing camp ground to all vehicular traffic under regulation 11 of the NPW Act 1972. The area will be policed and failure to comply with the closure will be an offence under regulation 41. An expiation fee is provided for under the regulations and there is a maximum penalty of $1000.
The Alexandrina Council has initiated road closures and gazettal of the appropriate NPW Act regulations regarding vehicle exclusion is being appropriated. The closure is effective immediately.
The NPWSA Fleurieu District office seeks the cooperation of your association by asking you to advise your affiliated members of the closure. Similar advice is being sent to all four wheel drive clubs throughout the metropolitan and southern area.