Many coastal councils are patrolling areas like public car parks. PIC: Cizza
With travellers heading north in big numbers at this time of the year, the issue of illegal camping is rising to prominence in many coastal communities.
In the north Queensland city of Cairns, the council’s Illegal Camping Patrols have just started again, and the authority says early results are showing the effectiveness of a visible compliance presence.
In his monthly statement, Cairns Regional Council CEO, Ken Goulthorp, said that on the first day of patrols, officers identified 21 campers at the Stratford boat ramp. However, following engagement and enforcement actions, two days later patrols could not see any campers in the same areas.
“This highlights the value of a consistent on-ground presence in encouraging compliance and resolving issues in a timely manner,” Mr Goulthorp said. “Patrols will continue to be undertaken across known locations to help manage illegal camping and support appropriate use of public spaces.”
The council says visitors are not permitted to camp on council-controlled land including roadsides, the Esplanade, cemeteries, public parks, car parks, sporting grounds, drainage reserves and beaches. It defines camping to include people staying overnight in vehicles, campervans, RVs, tents, hammocks and swags.
People found camping illegally can receive a $834 on-the-spot fine.
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