Recent damage to ovals and reserves has angered local residents within the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale.
“Our sporting reserves are an important part of community life across the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale,” an SJ spokesperson said.
“They are places where clubs train, teams play, families gather, and volunteers give their time to support local sport. Keeping these spaces safe and in good condition helps ensure they can continue to be enjoyed by everyone.
“We are working with local sporting clubs to address concerns about damage to ovals and reserves caused by e-scooters, off-road vehicles and similar equipment.”
Recent reports involved vehicles being ridden across sporting reserves and community recreation areas, causing damage to turf, BMX track surfaces and skate park facilities, while also creating safety concerns for clubs, players and other reserve users.
Rangers regularly patrol local reserves, and Shire teams are monitoring the reported problem areas so they can respond where possible, the Shire said.
“We have also increased focus on enforcement activity in response to community reports. “Rangers are working with WA Police to identify offenders, with fines applying for a range of offences and vehicles being impounded where legislation allows,” said the spokesperson.
“In a recent incident, an e-scooter was impounded after being used to perform burnouts on a Shire reserve. This follows an earlier investigation into significant damage caused to a community oval by off-road vehicle activity, which resulted in WA Police seizing a motorcycle.
“Damage to sporting reserves can affect training and games and can also be costly to repair. This takes time and resources away from other maintenance work across the Shire. Most riders do the right thing. The focus is on addressing behaviour that damages shared community spaces or puts others at risk.”
Community members who witness illegal off-road activity are encouraged to report it to WA Police on 131 444 if it occurs on roads, or to the Shire on 9526 1111 if it occurs on reserves, parks or other public spaces.
