THE Director of ACT Parks and Conservation Daniel Iglesias is asking for public help finding who has been vandalising the fences at the Jerrabomberra Grassland West Nature Reserve.

18 sections of fencing was cut open at the reserve over the weekend.

The damage was, in most cases, near where signage was located indicating the reserve would be closed from tonight to facilitate the kangaroo cull.

“Unfortunately each year leading up to and during the kangaroo cull our reserves are targeted by vandals,” Daniel said.

“Fences are cut, locks are glued and signs are spray painted. This is very disappointing as it redirects funding and staff resources away from actually looking after the reserves and instead towards repairing vandalism.

“This latest vandalism is expected to cost about $5000 to repair.

“I respect the rights of activists to protest, but ask that they please do so in a manner that does not damage public property.

“While we have a number of remote surveillance cameras in operation at parks and reserves across the ACT and our rangers keep an eye out for illegal activity, we would really appreciate the public’s vigilance in helping us prevent future incidents.

To report incidents of vandalism or suspicious behaviour you can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.