With grey nomads and others caught out by travel restrictions and caravan park closures, some campsites have become gathering points for those who have nowhere else to go.
The ABC reports that there are about 15 people living at a campsite between Ellis Beach and the Captain Cook Highway, 30 kilometres north of Cairns.
It says that, with most other campgrounds and caravan parks in the region closed due to COVID-19, the spot has become a temporary haven for pensioners, homeless people and backpackers during the pandemic.
Dead branches and tree vines have been used to section off sites so the occupants can comply with social distancing rules, in the hope they will not be forced to move on.
The ABC reports that members of the Ellis Beach and Buchans Point community have raised concerns about the campground with Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the Transport Department.
However, a police spokesperson said officers were aware of the situation, but some of the campers had nowhere else to go.
“We won’t be taking any action against them especially in the current climate … they’re doing really a pretty good job with what they’ve got,” the spokesperson said. “Whilst they’re there and doing the right thing, at least we know they’re not moving around and spreading the virus.”
The Cairns Regional Council said it had received 29 complaints relating to illegal camping in the past three weeks and 11 resulted in move-on requests.
“Council is taking an educational and flexible approach to those people, such as grey nomads and travelling backpackers, who may have found themselves without a place to stay as a result of coronavirus restrictions,” a spokesman said.
The Queensland Transport Department said it was working closely with the QPS and Cairns Regional Council to determine the best approach to managing camping in roadside areas.
A spokesperson said the situation at Ellis Beach would be monitored and enforcement action would be carried out if necessary.
Finally, a Council with common sense and compassion! Well done!
I totally agree Pam. Why can’t people show some kindness and compassion to others in these terrible times we are going through. Maybe instead of sitting in their comfortable homes complaining … show some kindness. See if these ppl need anything .. which can be left at a distance for them to collect. It will certainly make you feel better than complaining about them.
Great CP/camping area, we stayed in the camp ground last time we were up north, very nostalgic feelings as we walked along the beach, we stayed opposite in the motel for one week in 1966 When we were honeymooners.
Some common sense used here. Let them stay as long as they obey the rules. With the slow relaxing of the rules starting they will move on when they can. Think about it sitting in one spot for weeks on end is not what these people are about. They deserve a break.
Its times like these, I thank God I didn’t sell up and hit the road.
We were very tempted a few years ago.
Cairns Council are to be commended for there compassion and those who complained should hang their heads in shame.
Is there a rise in crime in the area? Is there a rise innCovig19 cases in the area? If not , LEAVE THEM ALONE.
There stuck in paradise and where stuck at home, hmmmm.
Exceptional understanding from the council, please Dont cave from pressures from the nimbies (not in my backyard brigade)
This is great !
Common sense prevails !
My wife and I have been locked down at the Kurrimine Beach Resort for a few weeks. They except essential travellers ONLY (We had to sign a stat dec) and tariffs have been heavily reduced to assist travellers through the lockdown.
Good on you Cairnes Council QLD
for having Common Sence and Compassion.
I live in the lovely Yarra Ranges ,I’ve been a
permanent resident for years, however
due to an emergency illness I had to pull out.
I returned, did my 8 weeks. Then the day After
We were on Stage 3. I was told Sorry we don’t
have room for you. Ha . I have an Old 18ft
Caravan ,an Old car and I’m over 60.
I now live in a Tent in winter
so all those who are stuck in Houses
…really!.
My parents went through ww2
In the Army and London bombing ,I’m doing
It ruff but I follow how they lived. At least I have a tent
and I’m a proud Ozzy’.
Be kind to Us in Vans Cars and Tents many are Homeless! It could be you one day ….
We are fortunate enough to have found a caravan park in the wheatbelt area of WA about an hours drive from Perth where some common sense has prevailed.
It is very disappointing to see how travellers have been treated in some communities where they have been abused and threatened and in some cases had their vehicles damaged, even rocks thrown and kicked out of caravan parks leaving many with nowhere to go.
It needs to be remembered that it is not the grey nomads and other RVers travelling within this country who brought this horrible virus here and spread it around. The fact that these travellers were on the road and not in the major cities and centres means that they are the most unlikely to have come in contact with corona virus carriers.
We and probably many other travellers will be taking careful note of
Those communities who were kind and supportive of those of us who had nowhere to go or were caught out of state. In particular we will be those that were the opposite as this will feature strongly inour decision making as to where we will visit and spend our money in the post corona virus environment.
Great to hear of that finally nomads from all walks of life are being protected somewhere during these trying times. My brother and I and a number of other full time nomads were moved from a campground in NSW, due to its closure by council over covid 19. First it was the toilet block that they closed off with wire mesh, then they sent the ranger out…then police were coming to forcibly remove that same afternoon if one of us didn’t leave. Like a large number of other nomads, all of us who were moved on, had no fixed address, but luckily we have found a safe place to stop to ride it out not far down the road at a showground. For all of those who see someone camping during this time, think before complaining, a large number of us on the road are either homeless, houseless by choice and travelling as full time nomads, travelling for work, or renting a house to someone else, and spare a thought if you are renting, these nomads may be your landlords….
hi guys,same for my wife and i. we were in qld from vic 2 weeks into a 12 month trip around oz. we had the park owner having to basically toss 75% of holidayers into the street.we then had to travel back home ,only being accepted into parks over night and nearly all public toilet closed everywhere. our trip is gone so too much of our funds . throwing travellers into the street,moving around,food shopping,using multiple fuel pumps other that siting tight in the park they are in seamed like it was not given any thought.it would be much safer to order us to self isolate where we all were. good for us, good for the park, good for the thousands of towns we all had to pass through.was this desicion poorly made or was it made by people who have never lived out on the road or never caravaned,just lived in their cozy world.sorry,we are not all in this together