Questions are being asked about when camping levels at the popular Queensland spot of Inskip Point will be allowed to return to ‘normal’ … if they ever are.
Gympie MP Tony Perrett has told state parliament that current camping capacity at Inskip Point had been cut to 1100 people, compared to its pre-Covid level of 2300.
As well as restrictions put in place die to the pandemic, the idyllic spot north of the Sunshine Coast was also subjected to a series of rolling closures late last year due to outbreaks of gastrointestinal illness.
Mr Perrett has tabled a question about the future of the site to Environment Minister, Meaghan Scanlon, who is due to provide answers next week.
Mr Perrett asked ‘when Inskip Peninsula will return to its pre-Covid camping capacity of 2300’.
He also sought information on whether there were any plans for a permanent cut in camper numbers.
The Gympie Today publication reports that Inskip Point camping has been a magnet for visitors who come in search of the once-commonplace low-cost holiday at the beach.
Over recent years, it says that government agencies variously cut back on camping spots, evacuated the whole area in response to a king tide and generally appeared to discourage campers, among other things by closing campsites ‘for regeneration’.
The serious health problems geographically linked to nearby waterless toilets last year reportedly hit the Rainbow Beach camping economy hard.
Gympie Today says campers are recognised as big contributors to the Rainbow Beach economy, patronising ice, bait, food, fuel and camping goods outlets and restaurants, among other businesses.
• Comment below.
I would never go there, due to the fact, that you could lose your life, plus all your vehicles, swallowed up from a sink hole. It should be shut permanently, and left as a refuge for wildlife, maybe as a walking track only
Yes I think that’s right.
It’s only a small delicate sand peninsula.
When I visited it seemed very overcrowded…like a urban camp city.
If you wanted to “get away” you certainly couldn’t do it there..!