A SINKHOLE larger than a football oval that swallowed a caravan and campervan at Inskip Point has been deemed “relatively stable”.
A geotechnical engineer has advised Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) the sinkhole site was now “relatively stable” and preliminary advice was that the event may have been a “near shore landslide” rather than a true sinkhole.
According to QPWS, the event has likely passed with a flat beach edge forming but coastal erosion is still occurring and this may result in more trees collapsing.
The sinkhole is estimated to be 200 metres long, 50 metres wide, some 7.5 metres deep in its central area and nine metres at its deepest point, further out from the central area.
The landslide happened on Saturday night 26 September, about 11.30pm, with a campervan, caravan and tent being swallowed when the sand gave way. No-one was injured.
More than 300 campers were evacuated from the area, with the MV Beagle campground and eastern section of Sarawak campground to remain closed.
QPWS is urging people to avoid the area, observe traffic barriers and warning signs.
The MV Natone, SS Dorrigo and The Oaks campgrounds are still open and access to the barge via Inskip Point is also open to vehicles.
Refunds will be offered to those who wish to cancel their booking.
