Fines issued as Council continues illegal camping blitz

Illegal camping patrols continue across Noosa as Council focuses on those travellers who continue to use public carparks as campsites.

Illegal camping patrols continue across Noosa, with fines issued.

Local Laws Officers issued 11 infringement notices and 7 warnings in the latest patrol of illegal camping hotspots carried out at the weekend.

Gyndier Drive at Tinbeerwah, Wallace Park at Noosaville, as well Noosa Heads Lions Park, Noosa Woods and Noosa Spit were among the areas targeted.

Local Laws Officers issued another 6 infringements and 9 warnings only days before at popular illegal camping locations.

Development and Regulation Director Richard MacGillivray said residents and ratepayers were fed up with travellers monopolising carparks and leaving behind a mess.

“We know the community wants action taken and so we continue to undertake patrols of popular areas at various times of the day and night,” he said.

Mr MacGillivray said the trial of the 10pm-to-4am no-parking zone through Noosa Woods and Noosa Spit had been successful in curbing illegal camping through that area.

“The restrictions will remain in place while Council considers broader enforcement options to regulate camping and parking in these areas.

Council is fast-tracking plans to implement tow-away zones in high demand parking areas such as the entrance to the Noosa National Park. Vehicles that overstay the  time limits may be towed away in a longer-term plan to halt illegal camping.

“So far this year Council has responded to 84 complaints from residents regarding illegal camping,” Mr MacGillivray said.

Parking fines vary from $77 to $116 depending on the offence, and $309 for illegal camping. These fines can be much higher if the matter goes to court.

“As always, we continue to take a common-sense approach. People living in cars due to housing issues are not the target of our enforcement efforts,” Mr MacGillivray said.

“Our staff are trained to recognise people in need and assist them with referrals to services that may be able to support them.”