While the rise of the independent grey nomad has seen a growing number of dump points installed in communities around the country, the facilities aren’t always warmly welcomed by local residents.
A case in point is the dump point on James St in the Queensland town of Mareeba, which has just been removed after ratepayers close to the area kicked up a stink. While the general thinking tends to be that areas benefit from the arrival of more motorhomers and caravanners, people in Mareeba were apparently more concerned about the environmental health implications and perceived potential impact in property prices.
Feelings were running so high on the issue that, Mareeba Mayor Tom Gilmore allegedly received death threats last month. The Cairns Post reports that a man was arrested and is in custody, waiting to appear in Mareeba Magistrates Court.
There is no suggestion that the dump point U-turn was made because of the alleged threats.
Mareeba Shire Council has not said why the dump point site was cancelled, but it is now concentrating on existing sites at Davies Park and the Rodeo grounds.
James St resident Kelly Brown told the Cairns Post that the original site was too close to a walking track used by children.
“Something like that in a residential area has an effect on property prices,” she said. “Some of the concerns of residents were environment health.”
Ms Brown told the Post that she contacted the council with concerns but it was only after residents spoke out that they were really heard.
“It has turned out really well in the end,” she said. “But they shouldn’t have wasted ratepayers’ money.”
* Do you understand why residents in some areas would object to the installation of a dump point? Comment below
Would the same complaint have gone out if the council had erected a public toilet block on that same site
Easy again. If you feel unwanted in any way as in this case ….Spend your money elsewhere !
I would like to see them back up the claims that it affects property prices. Load of rubbish imho
i love Mareeba but its time to bypass those that dont want us
Mareeba is the most RV friendly town we have visited so far on our trip and Ravenshoe would be a close second. This particular dump point location is probably not the best choice and the council will relocate it accordingly. The other one in Doyle Street is also not far from residences. Howerver, it has easy access. The council has done wonders for caravaners visiting including potable water location which us excellent service. We will always be happy to return to Mareeba, a progressive town, gateway to the Cape York with a sensible council. Beats Cairns by miles.
From memory the dump point is part of the existing sewage treatment works and is not that close to the surrounding properties.. (Plus not that easy to find)
This is a misleading article. Anyone aware of the location of the dump point in question would probably question it’s location, for numerous reasons. The complaints by affected residents were not against travellers themselves, just about the location of this dump point. Mareeba remains a town that welcomes travellers 🙂