ILLEGAL CAMPING: Mixed feelings over Four Mile ‘freeloaders’
CAR PARK CAMPERS
The local community in Port Douglas has reacted to the advent of illegal campers, after several vehicles and their occupants were photographed apparently parking longer than permitted at Four Mile Beach.
Despite signs clearly saying ‘no camping’ at the Four Mile Beach carpark – photographs were taken of everything from larger bus camper vehicles to rubbish strewn across areas of the carpark to a visitor who’d erected a full line of washing, drawing some strong condemnation.
Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr told Newsport he believes Council is doing enough to prevent the illegal camping, saying in September alone, there have already been 49 ‘First and Final’ camping notices and four penalty infringement notices – carrying fines of $309 – issued.
Also, Council officers are closely monitoring Four Mile and other “known hot spots for illegal campers.”
Cr Kerr said staff from Council’s Local Laws section “will first attempt to educate visitors new to the region about No Camping areas but campers failing to comply with notices to move on, or repeat offenders, will be issued with fines,” he added.
“Council also has access to CCTV at Four Mile Beach Park.”
Social media post
The latest community and Douglas Shire Council reaction to illegal camping was sparked by a post on the Port Douglas Noticeboard page:
“Four Mile Beach park ‘free’ campsite, despite signs indicating no camping? Old mate hanging up family washing on makeshift clothes line, full of campers, mess left for Council to clean up, even free power to charge your bike, what could possibly go wrong..”
Responses were mixed, with other page users complaining that there aren’t enough free places for campers in the Shire:
“Build more affordable camping sites.”
“who pays for that .. rate payers?”
“why should us rate payers pay for another camping ground .. there’s plenty of national parks out there that are cheap to stay in.”
But others defended the campers: “Also are these campers costing you anything? Are they bothering you? Nah.... you ain't picking up any tab. Queue the ‘I'm a rate payer’ reply.....”
More campsites needed?
Newsport asked the Mayor if he thought there were enough free or ‘budget’ rate campsites in the Shire, but he responded, “not for Council to comment on.”
We also put to him if Council have in mind other areas that could be opened up for free or low-cost camping, to relieve the high demand during tourism and high visitor peak season.
“Council doesn’t have plans to dedicate areas for free or low-cost camping.”
In the meantime, local homeowners and other visitors are hoping the latest Four Mile beach illegal camping episode will be dealt with accordingly, and that the campers will stay away.
“Not a good sight to see. We come up from Sydney and rent a lovely unit, I don’t think we would like to see this when we go to the beach. Surly there are proper camp sites close by that they could use,” a visitor posted.
“But a local resident countered: “it makes you wonder if these people even watch the news.. we are in a gorgeous little bubble here while the rest of the world is truly suffering..a few back packers down the beach … really people?”
Thank you!
Newsport thanks its advertising partners for their support in the delivery of daily community news to the Douglas Shire. Public interest journalism is a fundamental part of every community.
Got a news tip? Let us know! Send your news tips or submit a letter to the editor here.
* Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport, its staff or affiliates. Reader comments on Newsport are moderated before publication to promote valuable, civil, and healthy community debate. Visit our comment guidelines if your comment has not been approved for publication.