According to Myall River Action Group president, Gordon Grainger it would appear parking at Tea Gardens board ramp was off limits to vehicles parked without an attached boat trailer.

Offending vehicles attending the three events were issued with hefty parking infringements during the aquatic events held on the Myall River 

The first batch of parking fines were delivered during the Myall River Classic kayak race, an event which attracted hundreds of visitors to the area, 

The river was roped off, while boats were banned from launching their vessels during the day-long event.

However, competitor vehicles were issued with an infringement for using car park – because they didn’t have a trailer attached.

Mr Grainger explained vehicles without a trailer were banned from parking in this area.

“Kayaks are normally carried on the roof of vehicles, not a trailer,” Mr Grainger said.

Rangers were on-hand once again during the October long-weekend for the Wild Side Adventure Race, issuing parking infringements to vehicles without trailers which stood in the car park.

Finally, the Chamber of Commerce held the annual Riverside Festival on October 13, Mr Grainger said.

“Marine Drive was blocked to passing traffic, therefore parking was at a premium and a number of visitors used the ramp car park and yes —  rangers saw an opportunity to issue further infringement notices,” he said.

“I understand those fines are $280 each infringement and inevitably will result in distaste for our region and the likelihood future events will be avoided.”

“This community is angry as I would guess all those visitors who collected fines — and their probable flow-on effect.”

While the fines were issued by MidCoast Council controlled compliance officers, monies collected go straight to State government coffers.

Mr Grainger believed the fines were:  “pure revenue collection specifically directed at community functions when outsiders are in town.”

Councillor Len Roberts described the incident as a hiccup which could be overcome.

He believed a communication breakdown between MidCoast Council, the Tea Gardens community and within council led to the incident.

“I support the rangers; they have a difficult job,” Cr Roberts said.

Cr Roberts said in the past vehicles have been allowed to park in the area.

But believed this information was not this year passed onto the compliance officers.