Trouble in paradise ... free camping crackdown on The Spit
The authorities have acted to reduce the number of people free camping at the Gold Coast’s picturesque Spit area.
The Gold Coast Waterways Authority has put in bollards and gates to prevent people getting on to the grass and shutting off the area to vehicles at night. And, according to a report in the Gold Coast Bulletin, the results have been dramatic and immediate.
It says the ‘shambolic shanty town’ had all but disappeared, although about 20 camper vans were still parked on The Spit yesterday.
“We are trying to make it more difficult to get a vehicle in there,” Gold Coast Waterways Authority CEO Hal Morris told the Bulletin. “We have had reports of people pouring raw sewage into the Broadwater and that’s not a good thing.”
He said a majority of campers did the right thing but some were causing damage to the area.
Mr Morris said no patrols had been conducted asking people to leave but in coming months, after talking to the public, those patrols would begin.
The Spit is likely to see major changes in coming years with the government planning for an integrated resort and casino in the area.
· Have you stayed at the Spit? Have you seen fellow campers ‘doing the wrong thing?’
This area was not only being spoilt by transients/backpackers leaving disgusting messes, the rubbish being left was an absolute eyesore. Good work GCCC for taking the initiative, now move these off the spit as they also will leave the mess.
Grey Nomad
I was up there camping Australia Day and I saw a boy go to the toilets in the bush his dad told him too this was 2016 so he was a visitor carping not the campers so don’t think it’s always CAMPERS BECAUSE ITS NOT
I spent 5 weeks at The Spit and got to know many of the people camped there. Like myself, they were all very respectful of their environment and did their best to keep the place clean and tidy. All of us picked up other peoples’ rubbish at times, but that rubbish was invariably left there by people who came to fish or picnic for a few hours. Some foreign back-packer types were seen to be doing the wrong thing and were told to dispose of their refuse properly.
All in all my experience at The Spit was an enjoyable one. I found that amongst the long-term campers there was a real sense of community. They really loved being there and being close to the various services and shops, in which we all spent a considerable amount of money.
As for the reports of raw sewage being poured into the waters – well, I heard that such things had happened but were perpetrated by those who lived in boats in the cove behind The Spit.
Shame, I thought it was too good to be true, and it was
Usual thing.
The few stuffing it up for the many.
There should be a time limit for all these spots.
Say 72 hrs.
Give everybody a chance at it.
Not just the first in every yr than staying forever.
You’re travelling Australia.
Travel.
or do same as all the others. Get a base camp somewhere in family, friends or caravan parks..
then explore from there.
Don’t hog the choice spots from others.
A few heavy parking tickets. Issued daily would sort them out.
$175 ticket per day after time allocation till you move.
sounds fair to me.
That’d sort the problems without having to chase anybody.
One entry point. one exit point. camera on each.
I don’t understand why people insist on breaking the law by camping there. The Spit is a no camping area and has been for many years. Yes, it is a lovely spot and people do leave a mess. Not just campers either.
I used to work at the pump station and every Monday morning we would have to go around and clean up the area. Week day mornings wasn’t so bad.
The arguement between the government and the council needs to be sorted out. They both want the same outcome but don’t know how to be on the same page! Gates will not fix the problem. Rangers with the powers to fine and move on need to be appointed. 12 months intense patrolling will soon see the problem sorted out. Word of mouth will xo thd rest.
I am a full-time traveller and as much as I enjoy free camping, I wont abuse what is available to us by using land illegally.