Popular picnic shelter stolen from Mid North Coast state forest

Forestry Corporation is disappointed to report the theft of the picnic structure and tables at the Old Bottlebutt Picnic Area in Burrawan State Forest, south of Wauchope.

The entire picnic shelter, including cladding and steel frame were unbolted, disassembled and stolen along with hardwood timber tabletops, cladding from the nearby toilet and a water tank.

The stolen infrastructure is valued around $75,000.

The theft, which happened sometime between Saturday 9 November and Monday 11 November has been reported to Mid North Coast Police.

Several timber bollards were cut to allow vehicle access to the picnic shelter area indicating a truck or large trailer may have been used by the offenders.

"Community members, who have enjoyed this free picnic site at one of our popular state forest visitor sites, are the real victims in this crime," Partnerships Leader Leah Moncrieff said.

"It's concerning to think that someone would go to such lengths to steal a popular community asset.

"We would appreciate if members of the public saw or heard anything suspicious to contact Port Macquarie Police.

"We appreciate the support and understanding of regular visitors to Burrawan State Forest as we work to plan and replace the infrastructure that has been lost, and updates will be given as the project progresses."

Information about this crime can be given anonymously online via Crimestoppers www.nsw.crimestoppers.com.au or via the assistance hotline 1800 333 000 by quoting the reference number R0001046869.