Housing affordability is one of the biggest issues facing the Coast at the moment, with the problem causing knock-on effects felt right across the region. From rental shortages to mental health strain to lack of staff, it’s clear the issue is not going to be fixed easily or quickly. One Sunshine Coast News reader has written a passionate letter on the issue and the desperate need for action.
We also have letters on the state government’s spending priorities, and the ongoing fallout after Noosa Council announced a crackdown on illegal campers in the shire.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via: news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
New pandemic
Read the article:Â Your say: housing pressure, Nambour investment and more
It’s a shame people in power don’t see the urgency and do something about public, social, affordable housing. You report on specialists waiting lists but what about housing lists – can you reveal that number for us waiting for not months, as for specialists, but many years. This is a pandemic in itself, or call it a catastrophe. I am one of those on a long list waiting years to be housed. And this is none of my doing, it’s all to do with the economy instead.
I am very frustrated and cannot just sit and keep watching this happen, so intend to do something about the shocking housing situation that we all talk about, but governments are putting their heads in the sand about. I know there are a very few doing something but even that is minimal and slow.
Suellyne Lott, Bokarina (March 15)
Wrong priorities
Read the article:Â Specialist treatment waitlist numbers revealed
The state government is prioritising a sporting venue over service provision. This is plain wrong.
Roslyn Searles (March 14)
Simple solution
Read the article: ‘Growing impatience’: illegal camping crackdown
The council should have a look at opening facilities such as showgrounds or sports ovals (for example, Rococo Oval on Weyba Road) for free or very low cost, say $5 a night, payable on app. Many towns have allocated areas that have a shower and toilet facilities in showgrounds or ovals for the spillover. Then make it well known that beach camping is not on and people will be moved on or fined.
I am not sure about the ramifications of the backpackers being fined and refusing to pay and then just leaving Australia. It would require legislation for fines to be paid at customs by higher authorities, the state and federal governments.
Chris Sakkas, Noosaville (March 12)
Plenty of choice
There are websites out there that list free camping areas. There are plenty to choose from, just not in beachfront areas for obvious reasons.
The people staying overnight in their vehicles are not victims of the housing crisis, just tourists and backpackers trying to scab a freebie in prime locations that the rest of us have to pay for.
Philip Diver, Cootharaba (March 14)
Lock the gates
So many backpackers are camping with their vans on our Spit car park it’s turned into a free for any and all to camp there.
This morning we couldn’t even get a park to walk out to the Spit to see the most beautiful scene over to the Cooloola Coast. Instead we saw couples in bed with their van doors open, girls in bikinis washing their clothes and others having their breakfast. It’s been happening for months – we keep telling the Noosa Council and they do nothing.
My advice would be to lock the car park gate at 7pm and only allow people to walk in to enjoy the beautiful sunsets, instead of looking at all these people cooking, washing dishes and defecating on our treasured Spit.
Brad and Denise Johnson, Tewantin (March 17)
Paid parking
I am a Buderim resident and surprised that the local councils have not put in paid parking for non-Sunshine Coast residents. This would alleviate the lack of coastal parking for local residents, increase revenue for the councils and encourage visitors to use the large council car parks, such as the one in Maroochydore. It would decrease visitors staying for long periods in very popular places.
I think it would be a great solution for encouraging day campers into less popular areas while benefitting locals. A win-win but a bit of a financial loss to visitors, yet you do budget for holidays and day trips.
I’d love to see this implemented up and down the coast to ease the lack of parking and numbers of day campers and illegal overnight stays.
Jono Vink, Buderim (March 14)
Help those in need
Back before Noosa was announced and claimed, nomads from afar would stop and set up a place for the day, week or however long they wanted to stay. Just because greed and so-called ownership of numerous hectares is declared, should not give local, state or federal government right to lay down a law about who can stay.
Blow your trumpet and send your minions to hand out penalties, but get over yourselves. As long as the land is respected and appreciated then that should be enough.
Help those who need it and stop trying to harm the innocent of being and living for enjoyment. Just remember when and how greed has changed many.
Craig L. Moody, Mooloolaba (March 14)
Security for campers
I was told by an American lady that in the US they allow people to camp overnight in the shopping centre car parks. All the big ones open them up for free overnight stays, for anyone that needs it.
It’s a good idea as it provides security for campers. They have rubbish bins provided and most people don’t leave rubbish behind. This may help in these overstressed times.
I do wonder at what point the child services department will start to remove children from their parents if they can’t provide appropriate accommodation for them. Many families are now without housing. It’s hard times for many.
Carmel Porter, Caloundra (March 14)
Olympic disparity
What’s wrong with free camping? I thought it was supposed to be a free country. It seems you’re not allowed to do anything these days without the government or councils getting money from you. If you can’t find a house to rent, where are you supposed to go?
It seems if it is for the Olympic Games we have billions of dollars to spend, maybe they could find a few dollars to build some more public toilet facilities so the unfortunate that have nowhere to go can use them. Remember, Olympic Games only last a couple of weeks, public facilities can last for years.
D. Oakenful, Jimboomba (March 13)
Love of freedom
Free camping was one of the delights of travelling simply in the ’80s. It’s one of my greatest memories and the numerous undeveloped free camping possibilities were spectacular. It was so beautiful to wake up close to the ocean then rush in for a morning cleanse.
Young people love freedom and the chance to camp overnight in a simple way. The reason they choose the parking areas around the Noosa River is because there are very few other places to go that are either not fenced off, owned by developers or are paying car parks. The actual camping parks are full because people are choosing to live in them because they can’t afford to rent or buy a house.
Given that travellers do the right thing – stay quiet and keep all rubbish with them – then beachside parks and secluded roadside camping should be acceptable.
Noosa has become a place for the rich and famous, and unfortunately the majority of people who make a ‘noise’ about young travellers’ free camping are cashed up and believe they have greater rights. Our society is fixated on growing the economy, charging for everything, rather than ensuring nature is free and available to enjoy.
I lived in Coolum for 10 years during the ’90s. I visited Noosa National Park regularly and loved the freedom and beauty that it offered. Noosa is one of the most beautiful places in Australia. It is a world-class surfing spot. It’s time to think of young travellers and provide free spaces for them rather than judge and complain.
Change is inevitable – celebrate the diversity of young travellers.
Chris Moore, Hawley Beach, Tasmania (March 14)
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via: news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
