Dozens of fines have been issued in a weekend blitz on illegal camping, following a surge in community complaints.
More than 30 illegal campers received $322 fines in a crackdown targeting major hotspots around Noosa.
Mayor Frank Wilkie said Noosa Council’s local laws officers and Queensland Police attended Noosa Spit, Noosa Junction and Noosa National Park as part of the joint agency operation.
“Residents were understandably frustrated with our streets, parks and gardens being used as campgrounds and toilets,” he said.
“I deeply appreciate residents’ patience on this issue that had escalated during the months of protected industrial action. Our team is back working in partnership with the QPS to address illegal camping and provide referrals and support for those who are genuinely homeless.”
Noosa Council development and regulation director Richard MacGillivray said officers issued 31 infringement notices of $322 each.
“We will continue to conduct joint operations with Queensland Police targeting problem areas in addition to our own ongoing patrols across the shire,” he said.
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Mr MacGillivray said some people camping in vehicles were not travellers but local people left homeless by the recent housing crisis and other challenging circumstances.
“In these instances, our staff exercise compassion and wherever possible our staff will assist with referrals to state support services that may be able to provide temporary accommodation and other support,” he said.
Mr MacGillivray said information from the community about where illegal campers were congregating had helped guide the weekend blitz.
“While we undertake patrols all over the shire, the weekend’s joint operation with QPS concentrated on the major problem areas of Noosa Spit, Noosa National Park and Lanyana Way at Noosa Junction,” he said.
“Recently most of the complaints we’ve received about illegal camping have been in relation to these locations.”
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Cr Wilkie said other measures to help tackle the issues, including the introduction of further signage and harsher fines, were among future measures being considered.
Other problem areas across the shire, including along the eastern beaches and near the Noosa River, are also set to be targeted in upcoming enforcement efforts.
“We have a number of purpose-built campgrounds across the shire with current capacity to accommodate campervans, where travellers can park overnight and access barbecues, rubbish bins, toilet and shower facilities,” Mr MacGillivray said.
“Our car parks and streets were never intended for use as camping areas.
“Campervan travellers planning to stay overnight on Noosa’s streets and car parks are on notice to expect a $322 fine, which is much more than they’d pay for a night at one of our campgrounds.”
