Rangers are warning against illegal camping after a man who was asked to pack up and leave a national park subsequently abandoned his belongings and trashed the site.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers initially left a notice to comply at the location but, when they returned, they were left to clean up the mess.
Among the items the man deserted were an unregistered car, a bow and arrow and buckets of faeces.
Ranger Donna Haslam said they were tipped off by a member of the public about the camp near the Browns Creek Fire Management Trail, in Mapleton National Park.
When they visited, they found what was a “neat and tidy” but illegal camp.
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“It appeared the man had been living there for some time,” Ms Haslam said.
“We left a notice to comply to advise the man that he was illegally camping … when we returned to the campsite, we found he had abandoned and trashed it.
“He also left his unregistered vehicle behind.
“The man had left numerous broken bottles, buckets loaded with faeces and cigarette butts along with plastic waste, chairs, car batteries and polystyrene boxes.
“He also abandoned his barbecue, couch, gas bottles, fuel tanks, clothes, linen, a mattress and a bow and arrow.”
Ms Haslam said illegal camps were a fire hazard, a pollution hazard and could impact the park’s cultural and natural values.
“Illegal camps and abandoned rubbish and equipment can also harm our unique and magnificent wildlife,” she said.
“Five rangers spent two days cleaning up the illegal camp, which included two trips to the tip, and his abandoned car will have to be towed out of the park.
“It was one of our more unpleasant tasks, but we managed to keep a smile on our faces because we were making sure that area of the national park is clean again.
“I remind people they can be issued with a Penalty Infringement Notice if they set up illegal camps.
The maximum penalty for littering and setting up an illegal camp in a national park is $2875.
The campsite discovery occurred in the midst of a housing crisis on the Sunshine Coast and beyond.
Housing expert Mal Cayley, of Direct Collective, said housing pressures had led to increased homelessness and revealed that the Sunshine Coast was at least 8000 homes short, with 5500 of those needed for the rental sector.
READ MORE: Staggering number of renters sent packing and New wave of battlers seeking food and shelter and housing expert urges community to join action.
Anyone experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness is encouraged to call the Homeless Hotline on 1800 474 753. Information can be provided about where to find support, accommodation, meals or showers, and referral services may be offered.
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