A long battle to have free camping allowed at a Queensland beauty spot could be about to bear fruit.
Following years of pressure, the Banana Shire Council has now officially written to the government requesting overnight stops be allowed at Mt Scoria Conservation Park near Biloela.
The Thangool Advancement Sport and Recreation Association has been trying to get the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services to allow free camping at Mt Scoria.since the late ’90s They argue that Mt Scoria is a unique attraction, and everything possible should be done to attract more visitors to it.
The government will now consider the council’s request.
In February 2005, Thangool Advancement Group’s request for a camping site was rejected, with the Minister stating camping facilities at Mt Scoria would compete with private camping and accommodation providers in Biloela and Thangool. It was feared this would result in a loss of earnings for these operators.
However, Thangool Inc (chamber) president Ken Stanley told the Central Telegraph newspaper that having grey nomads and other travellers stay overnight at Mt Scoria would be a boost for the town.
“At the moment there are no free camping sites around Thangool or Biloela, so these types of travellers just drive through town on their way to their next free camping destination,” Mr Stanley said. “If we can get them staying here for short periods, they would be more inclined to purchase goods at stores in Thangool and Biloela.”
Locals say that decades ago, before camping was banned at the base of the mountain, there were many events held at the conservation park and people would stay the night afterwards. They say that since the park’s status changed, not as many people visit the site.