Free camping crackdown in Port Douglas
More early morning patrols to catch illegal campers in popular far north Queensland tourist regionDouglas Shire Council in far north Queensland is the latest local authority to crack down on illegal camping.
Douglas Shire, which covers the tourist meccas of Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation, will recruit an additional law enforcement officer so it can crank up the number of early morning patrols in illegal camping ‘hot spots’
It will also work more closely with local police and erect illegal camping signage as part of the crackdown.
Last year the Council received 103 complaints about illegal camping from the public, with Council officers observing 244 instances of illegal camping during early morning patrols.
Mayor Julia Leu said while tourism was the main economic driver of the local economy, camping outside of designated caravan and camping sites can adversely affect the communities throughout Douglas and their pristine local environments.
“While Council recognises illegal camping cannot be eliminated, it can be managed by having a measured approach that balances tourist perceptions with community expectations,” Mayor Leu said.
The Council will also look at long-term options to address illegal camping, including the possibility of establishing free or low-cost camps in the area.
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