In something straight out of the deepest conspiracy groups on Facebook, Parks Victoria has been busted remotely spying on parkgoers in the Grampians. The ‘cellular enabled trail cam’ was spotted by a park-goer and posted in the Australian Climbing Association Victoria Facebook group last week. A “Property of Parks Victoria” label makes it clear as day who’s responsible. The discovery has sparked outrage among climbers and bushwalkers, raising concerns about the increasing surveillance in public parks. While Parks Victoria claims these measures are in place to protect the environment and prevent illegal activities, there’s a broader issue here for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Especially 4X4ers who rely on access to these remote areas.
This isn’t just about a single camera pinned to a tree. It’s about the creeping intrusion into spaces where we expect freedom, solitude, and privacy. If you’re a 4X4 enthusiast who regularly explores Australia’s national parks, this news should make you pause. What’s stopping Parks Victoria—or any other agency—from using similar tactics in more remote, off-the-beaten-path locations that 4X4ers frequent?
The Real Fear: Fines for Vehicle Mods and Driving Behaviour
It’s one thing to catch someone dumping rubbish or stealing firewood, but imagine this: you’ve spent thousands on mods for your rig, everything from suspension upgrades to bigger tyres, maybe even a lift kit to handle the tougher tracks. These modifications, while crucial for off-road performance, can sometimes walk the fine line of legality depending on how closely they follow ADR regulations. What’s to stop one of these hidden cameras from snapping a shot of your rig and leading to a fine in the mail for a “non-compliant” modification?
But it gets worse. Imagine bouncing up a rocky ledge, testing the limits of your suspension, and not quite sticking the landing. Maybe your vehicle takes a hard hit, or you momentarily lose control, all captured in crystal-clear 4K footage. That could be interpreted as “negligent driving,” leading to a charge or fine even though you’re simply navigating tricky terrain.
If these cameras are set up to “protect the environment” but are capturing high-definition footage of vehicle and people movements, it’s not far-fetched to think they could be used to police driving behaviour. The risk of getting hit with fines or charges for something as basic as tackling a tough track could be a real threat for 4X4ers.
Policing or Protecting?
Parks Victoria says the cameras are compliant with the Surveillance Devices Act 1999. And that all footage is handled under the Information Privacy Act 2000. They assure us this is all above board. But laws like these are not as comforting as they may seem. If these cameras are truly just to stop illegal activities, why hide them? Why not be transparent and offer an actual deterrent? The secretive nature of these cameras undermines trust and makes you wonder what other tools or tactics are being employed behind the scenes.
The installation of hidden cameras may seem small in the grand scheme of things, but it points to a larger trend. Today, it’s trail cameras for illegal dumping; tomorrow, who knows? We’ve seen these kinds of tactics grow in cities, with facial recognition and increased policing. Could the bush be next?
Surveillance technology is becoming more advanced and cheaper by the day. With cellular-enabled cameras that can instantly upload footage, the infrastructure is already in place for a more comprehensive network of surveillance. If it starts with environmental protection, it’s only a matter of time before these tools are used to enforce every little regulation or restriction that 4X4ers face. Don’t think for a second that your rig’s modifications are flying under the radar anymore.
What’s Next for 4X4ers?
For now, the cameras are reportedly being used in Gariwerd/Grampians National Park, but it’s likely only a matter of time before these methods spread to other parks and regions. What does this mean for the future of 4X4ing in Australia? It could mean fewer freedoms and more regulations, and an outdoor culture that’s increasingly policed and monitored.
There’s a fine line between protecting natural spaces and treating those who love and respect the bush as potential criminals. Sure, there’s the odd case of someone doing the wrong thing. But by and large, 4X4ers are there to enjoy and preserve the land.
A Call for Balance
At the end of the day, no one is saying we shouldn’t protect the environment. But the use of surveillance as a tool for enforcing regulations should be scrutinised and transparent. Instead of covert tactics, Parks Victoria should be focusing on building better relationships with park users. Education, outreach, and mutual respect go a long way in the bush.
For 4X4ers, it’s important to stay informed and vocal. Don’t let surveillance tech creep further into the bush under the guise of protection. Our parks and tracks are meant to be enjoyed, not policed like the streets of a dystopian novel.
What’s happening in Gariwerd is a warning shot. If we’re not careful, the bush might lose its allure of freedom, replaced by a sense of being constantly watched. And once that happens, the great outdoors just won’t feel the same.
