The impact of a decision to erect ‘No Camping’ signs at Callide Dam near Biloela a few years ago is still being felt in the Queensland town.
Back in 2017, owners SunWater decided to take the action saying it was done to protect the environment from the negative impacts of large numbers of visitors. The area affected was outside the recreation and main camping area, which has been managed by Banana Shire Council since 2014.
SunWater told the Central Telegraph at the time that the number of people camping illegally on private land outside the designated camping area had been gradually increasing. It said it had seen ‘a worrying number of neglected campfires and unsanitary conditions that impacted public safety, adjoining properties to the dam, the environment and water quality’.
However, the ‘No Camping’ signs sparked a backlash from grey nomads and other travellers, and one local, Daryl Cupitt, told the Central Telegraph that Biloela had since been labelled ‘the unfriendliest town’ on social media.
“All of those people said ‘well that’s it, we’ve finished with Biloela, we won’t be back’,” he told the newspaper. “And they went to Theodore.”
Mr Cupitt, who spent decades helping stock the lake with quality fish through his work with the Callide Valley Native Fish Stocking Association, said the lake was a stunning spot and he was keen to see grey nomads return.
He said travellers were currently restricted to 30 sites at the council’s Lake Callide Retreat and that, during the peak grey nomad season, van parks in the area were often booked out.
Mr Cupitt, himself a keen caravanner, said he understood SunWater’s position but the ‘No Camping’ rule was a shame, because the area had potential to draw many visitors that would support Biloela’s economy.
• Have you camped at Lake Callide? Comment below.
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If people continue to foul up these sites then they must expect the consequences.
Sadly, the Council facility is poorly positioned. Not a spot where we would stop. Can understand Sunwater’s position as too many “freecampers” do not respect the areas. Pity, however, that SunWater do not engage “Camp Hosts” to oversight some of their facilities which have now been closed due to selfishness of some.
I agree John. Camp hosts and small fee to assist with maintenance costs..
Camp hosts are a great idea, Council could provide them with a generator + fuel, mobile phone for easy contact & that’s all it costs. Overseeing a camp keeps the riff raff out, Julia Creek is a great example & we loved hosting.
Had stayed at Julia Creek several times, great town, unfortunately the last time we were there, a very rude and dictatorial camp host acted like a nasty military general.wont go there again.
Tim, dont let it stop you going back. He will move on and probably be put in his place at some stage.
Perhaps had people contributed by “leave no trace” this would never have happened. Its not ro c k eet science.
I must agree with Deb & Steve. Having hosted at JC multiple times it is a good wa of controlling how the camp sites. We would gladly do it without the extras as would others. Most of us have our own generators. A phone is good that is locked to the numbers that you need to contact.
Volunteer camp hosts would certainly make the difference – Use Julia Creek as an example.