Inskip Pt camper numbers could be permanently reduced

Multiple gastro outbreaks combined with Covid have more than halved the number of campers allowed at Inskip - and that won’t be changing anytime soon. Read the latest statement from the State Govt on the situation, vote in the poll.

Camper numbers at Inskip Point may never return to pre-Covid numbers.

A number of campgrounds linked to multiple gastro outbreaks at Inskip in 2021 were systematically closed down and rested over the Christmas period and into 2022, and though the Department of Environment and Science said on Thursday “all” camping areas were now open, camper capacity has been reduced by more than half and may never be lifted again.

“QPWS continues to base camping capacity (at Inskip) on the latest health advice to prevent the spread of illness including norovirus and Covid-19,” a DES spokesperson said on Thursday.

“There has actually been an increase in camper nights at Inskip Peninsula in 2021 (196,523) compared to pre-Covid-2019 pandemic camping (183,426),” they said.

Camping at Inskip Point. File photo Craig Warhurst / The Gympie Times

“QPWS is committed to supporting the right balance of economic, social and environmental opportunities, and the health of Queenslanders.”

The capacity at the stunning and popular camping spot was dropped from 2300 to 1100 in 2021.

Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon responded to a question with notice in State Parliament by Gympie MP Tony Perrett in March 2022.

“Will the Minister advise when lnskip Peninsula will return to pre-Covid camping capacity of 2300 and are there any proposals to permanently reduce the camping capacity from 2300?” Mr Perrett asked.

Ms Scanlon said the Department of Environment and Science had carried out a detailed analysis of the most recent and historical norovirus outbreaks at the site, and based on the latest health advice, was not currently planning to adjust capacity for the foreseeable future.

“Based on this information, it has been determined that high densities of campers during peak visitation periods represent an unreasonably heightened risk of community transmission of the highly contagious norovirus strains should an infected person enter the site,” she said.

“The most appropriate, preventative public health response is to reduce density of campers at peak visitation periods when outbreaks have been most prevalent.”

The pandemic has led to a change in how Queenslanders and visitors were now using national parks and recreation areas. This indicated the substantial scope for promoting safer visitation in off peak times.

“This both supports the local economy and manages the risks of norovirus transmission,” she said.

“The Queensland Government is committed to supporting the right balance of economic, social and environmental opportunities, while ensuring that the health of Queenslanders remains paramount.”