By JOLENE OGLE
A HOLIDAYMAKER and his family have been left distraught after three girls from a campervan pulled into the park they were relaxing in and went to the toilet in plain view.
The holidaymaker from Bundaberg asked to remain anonymous, but said he and his family were disgusted by the girls’ actions on Monday 29 June when they pulled their van into the car park at Tinbeerwah School park.
“There is no need to see that in Noosa,” he said. “We didn’t know what to do or what to tell the kids.”
The man was with his family including children, with the oldest being 11.
“We’re here visiting family and are just completely shocked,” he said.
“They just got out of the van and squatted.”
Noosa Today put the story to our Facebook followers and according to locals this is a common issue throughout the shire, with some calling for more public amenities and cheaper camping rates to help curb the problem.
“Maybe some more services about the place that could be made into gathering spots,” Jennie Lovecartmill posted on Facebook.
“An observation area with family picnic facilities, for example.”
Chris Stallan said half-price rates at council-run caravan parks might help stem the flow of illegal camping and encourage backpackers to keep visiting Noosa.
“They’re (the backpackers) here to spend money, we can’t rely on school holidays and weekend visitors to keep the place going,” he said.
Trish Radge said her sister-in-law, who lives in Sunshine Beach, had often dealt with backpackers spending days staying out the front of her home.
“My sister-in-law lives in a street in Sunshine Beach … and had backpackers parked for days outside her house,” she said.
“They would toilet on the verge and even leave dirty toilet paper.”
Annie Owens said it was common to see hire camper vans parked in the Tinbeerwah park but said this most recent incident came down to a lack of respect.
“There are always ways to toilet in private and respectfully,” she said.
“No family should have to witness this. I think this is a respect issue and one that, as locals, needs to be addressed with the persons involved to let them know this is not acceptable behaviour in Australia.”
What do you think? Has this ever happened to you or do you have a great suggestion to help solve the issue? Send your thoughts to newsdesk@noosatoday.net.au.
