The owners of an area of land at Callide Dam near Biloela in Queensland have lost patience with campers … and this time they really mean it!
SunWater has just erected 10 new ‘no camping’ signs at the site as it seeks to protect the environment from the negative impacts of the increasingly popular spot.
A spokesperson for the company told the Central Telegraph newspaper that the recreation and main camping area at Callide Dam was handed over to the council in 2014, and that it was the privately leased land that was an issue.
“Flood margin land outside the Banana Shire Council designated camp site is owned and managed by SunWater,” the spokesperson said. “The number of people camping illegally on private land outside the designated camping area has been gradually increasing and signs have been erected to ensure people are aware that the land is private property and unsuitable for camping.”
The spokesperson said there were toilet facilities at the approved council site but none in the other areas and this meant an increased risk of impacts on public health due to unsanitary conditions and also on water quality in the dam lake.
“Unauthorised camping in flood margin areas around the dam poses a higher risk to public safety,” the spokesperson told the Central Telegraph. “There is also an increased risk of bushfires caused by neglected campfires that can impact nearby properties.”
Campers who are currently on private property where signs have been erected have been given a week to move onto a designated camping area. And while it has been lenient over the years, SunWater has insisted they will not back down this time.
“SunWater conducts regular inspections of the dam and if campers are found to be illegally camped on private land we will work with the local police and council to ensure they are aware of the rules and have the option to move to a more suitable site,” the spokesperson said. “We recognise that some people may be unaware that land around Callide Dam is private property and we will continue to make sure the public is well informed so they can make good decisions when camping in the area.”
I have for 8 weeks and spent $1700 in Biloeola in that time last year a and there 6 weeks this year and spent $ 1580 in biloeola i have a self contained van empied my toilet in town at th e historical museum every time i do my shopping and get water at the same time
Maybe they need to include a Motorhome and caravan silhouette pic alongside the tent, on the signs. Some may take it as tents only are banned.
Just spend your money somewhere else !
To me “No Camping” with a picture of a tent means just that – no camping in tents. I do not consider a SC Motorhome or Van as camping. My motorhome was approved for Leave No Trace & that’s exactly what I do.
We enjoyed 5 days there recently & did the same as Wayne – used dump site at Heritage Park, dined at RSL & spent money at both supermarkets & fuel outlets. Most campers that were there had self-contained vans & were very responsible people. These rules will only reduce numbers of travellers to your area which will take business from Bileola – do you want to be another dying country town?