Proposal gone wrong: Romantic gesture ends in community slamming ‘embarrassing’ act

A public romantic gesture has not only been slammed by community members as ”selfish” and “embarrassing”, it could land the person behind it a whopping fine.

A lovelorn graffiti artist quite literally made a mark with a permanent marriage proposal etched into the rock face at a world heritage listed national park in NSW.

A photo posted on social media showed a scenic lookout in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney, featuring a love heart carved into ancient rock with the words: “Kiri, will you marry me?”.

While we don’t know what Kiri’s answer was, we do know the response from observers was overwhelming disappointment.

“National parks are to preserve. It’s not preserving if everyone is allowed to actively change/alter what’s there on a whim,” one angry local said.

“People are really out here making marriage proposals and gender reveals everybody’s problem. Leave no trace or stay out of the woods,” said another.

Others were short and sweet with their assessment, “Dude. World Heritage. You’re a w*****”.

The decision made by the destructive Casanova may not only be unromantic, it may even be illegal according to NSW’s graffiti and vandalism laws.

The laws state that graffiti can be made by “any implement designed or modified to produce a mark that is not readily removable by wiping or by use of water or detergent” and carries heavy penalties.

The Blue Mountains is a home to some of the state’s most stunning landscapes, as well as environmentally important national parklands.

It’s also home to a number of historically and culturally significant sites, including indigenous rock carving and art.

In NSW, damaging indigenous rock art is an offence under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, with potential penalties including a maximum fine of $550,000 and the potential for up to 24 months imprisonment for individuals, and a $1.1 million fine for corporations.

While it is unknown if the area was of cultural significance, some social media users decided to see the lighter side of the situation.

“Yeah, I’m mad today, but in 500 years some nerds are gonna be studying this for a PhD in historical graffiti,” one person said.

“They clearly have a rocky relationship as it is,” said another.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife called the behaviour “disappointing” and said it’s “strongly discouraged”.

Those visiting national parks are urged to leave the areas as they found them.