Higher fuel prices and general cost-of-living pressures have meant that many travellers are seeking to trim their on-the-road budgets … and, in certain locations, that can lead to issues.
Noosa Shire Council is one of the more aggressive local authorities when it comes to cracking down on illegal camping as it says it is responding to strong community feedback and focussing on ‘protecting public spaces’.
It says recent joint operations with police resulted in 37 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) and one caution being issued during targeted patrols of known hotspot locations.
Noosa Council Director Regulation and Development, Richard MacGillivray, stressed the crackdown was not directed at people experiencing homelessness, but at those who are ‘deliberately doing the wrong thing’.
Joint operations between council and police targeted illegal campers PIC: Noosa Shire Council
“Local residents are often the first to notice issues in their neighbourhoods and their information helps us direct our patrols where they’re most needed,” he said. “This year alone we’ve received just under 300 complaints to date about illegal overnight camping in the shire.”
In its recent budget, the council has also committed to trialling the use of mobile Licence Plate Recognition (LPR) camera technology to enforce and deter illegal camping.
A number of fines were issued as part of the crackdown. PIC: Noosa Shire Council
“We want people to enjoy everything Noosa has to offer, but it needs to be done in a way that respects the community and our shared spaces,” Mr MacGillivray said.
Further south, the Central Coast Council in NSW is considering a different approach … trialling the idea of moving illegal campers and homeless people to the site of a former caravan park in Koala Park.
A council spokesperson told the Grey Nomads there had been an increase in illegal camping … and this led to public amenity and safety concerns; environmental damage; and increased waste management and maintenance pressures.
“Recreational travellers to the Central Coast are required to utilise lawful accommodation options, including booking into one of council’s holiday parks or approved private facilities,” the spokesperson said. “Camping in public spaces and beach car parks is illegal and is subject to compliance action.”
The spokesperson said the proposal for Koala Park was intended to reduce impacts on high-use public areas, although the idea had not been approved at this stage.
While stealth camping is most commonly associated with young overseas backpackers, there are grey nomads who do take the opportunity of a ‘sneaky’ free night’s stay when they can.
A while back, the Grey Nomads caught up with confirmed stealth camper, Jack, who is in his 70s.
“The art of stealth camping is firstly be aware of where you are going to stay the night … do not disregard signage and do not park in front of council offices or police stations,” he said. “You should stay only one night and for chrissakes do not put the awning down or get out the table and chairs!”
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