Authorities are searching for a group of brazen thieves who have stolen three rainwater tanks from remote campsites in the Perth Hills along the Bibbulmun Track.
The 4,500-litre tanks are believed to have disappeared over the past few weeks and play an important role in supplying water to hikers using the iconic trail. Stretching more than 1,000 kilometres from Kalamunda to Albany, the Bibbulmun Track winds through the rugged landscapes of the Darling Scarp and the forests of Western Australia’s south-west.
Parks and Wildlife Service WA has already replaced one of the missing tanks. Swan Regional Manager Benson Todd described the situation as “quite sad”, noting that the actions of a few people have affected many walkers who rely on the facilities.
“These huts are fairly remote, and vehicle access is through locked gates, so it’s very disappointing to discover the tanks have been stolen,” he told ABC Perth radio on Friday morning.
According to Mr Todd, the thieves appear to have disconnected the plumbing, drained the tanks and rolled them along the track before lifting them over a gate and loading them onto a vehicle.
“A fair amount of effort has clearly gone into it,” he said. “They’ve been quite determined to take this infrastructure, which is important for hikers.”
The Bibbulmun Track features 49 campsites positioned roughly 10 to 25 kilometres apart, typically representing a full day’s walk between stops.
Each campsite is equipped with a rainwater tank, a three-sided shelter, a pedestal pit toilet, picnic tables and designated tent areas for walkers travelling the long-distance trail.