With the passion for camping and caravanning reaching new heights in Australia campers new to the activity up and down the eastern seaboard talk to each about where the best spots are to camp, fish and get supplies.
While residents of Rainbow Beach are thrilled to be one of the popular spots chosen and caravan parks are enjoying great trade, there are those who don’t like to pay for the privilege.
Illegal camping is rife and while it is understandable they want to save a few bucks for petrol, camping in front of a “no camping, fines apply” sign continues to prove unpopular with locals.
Most travellers hear on the grapevine that if you camp in Noosa, Byron, or most other beaches in a prime beachfront location you will get moved on or fined.
They would also know you can camp for days or weeks on the foreshore of Rainbow Beach and not get fined or even asked to move.
Last weekend the campers pictured were spotted by locals and again there was room in local caravan parks and this was just a bit too much for some.
One local who doesn’t wish to be named, said free camping at the main Rainbow Beach foreshore car park is just not acceptable.
“It’s on ongoing problem. I’ve spoken to Jess Milne (Councillor), GRC (Gympie Regional Council) QPWS (Queensland Parks and Wildlife) and police – it’s simply not their problem.
“The GRC sign clearly says no camping. The major concern is the health risk. The amenities are closed at night and hence the campers use the beach area! Children play in this area through the day. Toilet paper and surprises litter the area.
“I’ve also contacted Queensland Health but to no avail. In these Covid times surely this can’t continue.
“Jess Milne (councillor) did say that there was no money in the coffers to hire security to move people on. At one time there was a private security person employed and recently GRC Rangers did a few days blitz on campers but that too has ceased.
“We pay exorbitant rates at Rainbow, and I think we can expect a better response from GRC.
“Just look at this camp at our car park. (pictured) Four well set up campers right beside the GRC no camping sign.”
A staff member from the Rainbow Beach Holiday Village said they had seven powered sites available on the night in question for $47 a night and they had plenty of tent sites.
Big 4 Breeze Holiday Parks at Carlo Point said they were very quiet and they would have had 50 spots available.
“We could have just taken walk-ins, powered or unpowered, slab or grass or sand, they could have had their pick of the park. We have a huge capacity and a lot of site were available.“
Gympie Region Mayor Glen Hartwig said: “Council staff have limited resources in this space. The matter will be raised with our QPS partners as we look to police for assistance in enforcement.”
It would be good to have regular patrols to move these illegal campers on to the region’s caravan parks to help the economy and goodwill of the community.
