Thirty-one illegal campers received $322 fines in a weekend enforcement blitz targeting major hotspots.
Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie said Council’s local laws officers and Queensland Police attended Noosa Spit, Noosa Junction and Noosa National Park as part of the joint agency operation.
“Residents were understandably frustrated with our streets, parks and gardens being used as campgrounds and toilets,” he said.
“I deeply appreciate residents’ patience on this issue that had escalated during the months of protected industrial action.
“Our team is back working in partnership with the QPS to address illegal camping and provide referrals and support for those who are genuinely homeless.”
Development and Regulation Director Richard MacGillivray said information from the community about where illegal campers were congregating had helped guide the weekend blitz.
“While we undertake patrols all over the shire, the weekend’s joint operation with QPS concentrated on the major problem areas of Noosa Spit, Noosa National Park and Lanyana Way at Noosa Junction,” he said.
“Recently most of the complaints we’ve received about illegal camping have been in relation to these locations,” he said.
Mr MacGillivray said officers issued 31 – $322 infringement notices.
“We will continue to conduct joint operations with Queensland Police targeting problem areas in addition to our own ongoing patrols across the shire,” he said.
Mr MacGillivray said Council was aware of other problem areas across the shire including along the eastern beaches and near the Noosa River, which upcoming enforcement efforts will target – both Council’s regular patrols and jointly with QPS.
“We have a number of purpose-built campgrounds across the shire with current capacity to accommodate campervans, where travellers can park overnight and access barbecues, rubbish bins, toilet and shower facilities,” he said.
“Our carparks and streets were never intended for use as camping areas.
“Campervan travellers planning to stay overnight on Noosa’s streets and carparks are on notice to expect a $322 fine, which is much more than they’d pay for a night at one our campgrounds.”
Mr MacGillivray said some people camping in vehicles were not travellers, but local people left homeless by the recent housing crisis and other challenging circumstances.
“In these instances, our staff exercise compassion and wherever possible our staff will assist with referrals to state support services that may be able to provide temporary accommodation and other support.”
Mayor Wilkie said Council took the community’s concerns about illegal camping very seriously and other measures to help tackle the issues, including the introduction of further signage, plus harsher fines were among future measures being considered.
