New rules have been introduced at a popular camping spot in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast … but authorities insists it is nothing to do with a recent flurry of complaints about the amount of rubbish being left there.
Seven camping zones have been established at Teewah Beach on the Cooloola Coast, north of Noosa, a spot which generally attracts 200,000 visitors a year.
While a Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service spokesman told the Sunshine Coast Daily that the changes were not in response to the anger at the widespread litter problem, he said he expected the new zones would help reduce bad behaviour.
Instead, of campers being issued a permit to camp along a 14-kilometre section of beach wherever they managed to find a spot, the new system will be more specific.”
“The new zones will also improve the booking system,” the spokesperson said. “Campers can now choose a zone they wish to camp in … previously, campers applied for a camping permit but were unable to pre-book their preferred location.”
The Sunshine Coast Daily reports that the zones will also help rangers identify non-compliant campers and better manage emergency responses to wildfires, storms or other events.
“The changes were not introduced following recent issues in the park when rubbish was left behind by campers following a storm, but they will assist in the future management of these types of impacts to the area,” the spokesperson said. “Improved visitor experiences are also expected following the introduction of fixed and mobile number plate recognition technology.”
It is hoped the new rules will also allow seasonal rotation and temporary closures of camping zones for maintenance and management of potential environmental risks.
“Some areas of the beach were at a high risk to rock falls from eroding dunes,” the spokesperson said.
the local councils get money from the caravan parks, so watch them ban free camping sites
Sounds reasonable if peoplecare held accountable for the mess they leave behind. Nothing in there about having to take your own portable toilet instead of doing their business anywhere behind the campsites. Last time we camped up that way there was poo and toilet paper all over the ground under the pandanus trees. Last time…