Cameron’s Pocket Swimming Hole reopened by Proper Good Vibes, council says no to facilities

The native title holders of a regional Queensland waterhole have distanced themselves from the efforts of a newly-registered First Nations-owned company which shut the public gate leading to it.

Rubbish is still visible despite almost a month of closure of the swimming hole at Camerons Pocket. Photo: Fergus Gregg

The native title holders of a regional Queensland waterhole have distanced themselves from the efforts of a newly-registered First Nations-owned company which shut the public gate leading to it — but said it all could have been avoided with some toilets and bins.

The CEO of Proper Good Vibes is a resident of Brodies Rd — which leads to the site — and said he didn’t want to share his name while giving an interview.

He said he made decision with company director Leon Namai after people were “very disrespectful” to the nearby private property, including theft.

“Worse than that there was the damage they were doing down at the swimming hole … human waste, nappies and sanitary pads,” the CEO said.

The CEO said the closure was “regrettably” done without coordination with the Yuwi Aboriginal Corporation, who are the traditional owners of the land.

“We did what we believed was meant to be done … we did it as true custodians of land … which is what every single human being is meant to be,” he said.

Nappies, pads and other litter was photographed in the area around the swimming hole.

A Yuwi Aboriginal Corporation spokeswoman said they support protecting the environment but didn’t support the closure due because residents weren’t consulted.

The spokeswoman said the closure might have been avoided if a toilet block and rubbish bin were available there.

She confirmed Yuwi rangers came across the closure before the broader public was aware.

“As traditional owners we want to work with our community and with the landholders around the area and we support any initiative for caring for country and want to be involved as much as we can,” she said.

“We’ve had to do our own damage control around people thinking it was us when it wasn’t.”

Two condoms were visible on the beach near the water, which Proper Good Vibes’ CEO said they clean almost every day.

She said the Yuwi Aboriginal Corporation was likely to start doing its own water management and testing at Cameron’s Pocket and start a database on rubbish removal.

“I don’t think there’s toilets at Cape Palmerston either.

“Council need to have a good look at some of these areas.”

Mackay Regional Council said it has no plans to build amenities at Cameron’s Pocket.

The Proper Good Vibes CEO said he closed to gate after a call to Mackay council’s emergency line on October 7.

“Lady answers there … I explained to her what was going on and she said absolutely lock the gates … so I did so,” he said.

The Proper Good Vibes CEO said, despite the fact there was a padlock attached to the gate, it was never actually locked. Photo: Fergus Gregg

The CEO said he also sent an email to council at the same time and told them he’d keep the gates closed until he heard back.

Mackay council has disputed the details of the call, pointing out the number was manned by a call service on the public holiday and not a council employee who would have been able to speak on its behalf.

“The Call Centre staff member did not provide any direction to the Proper Good Vibes representative to close the gate,” the council said.

“The call was recorded.”

Mackay council mayor Greg Williamson said council will act on any complaints from the public if the road was closed outside of established conditions.

“Council is also committed to working with the lessee to find an amicable solution regarding issues including rubbish and vandalism.”

On Monday November 11 the road was reopen and new barriers could be seen along the private property, closing nearby farm access roads.

Since the closure first came to the public’s attention Proper Good Vibes has received a barrage of “negative comments”.

“Thankfully we got pretty thick skin,” the company’s CEO said.

“We’re not trying to take over anyone’s land, we’re not trying to close off the swimming hole to the public … we’re trying to protect it.”

Although the Proper Good Vibes CEO has offered to provide parking space on the property, he also started closing off farm access trails to prevent trespassers. Photo: Fergus Gregg

After a month of closure litter is still visible along the track leading to the swimming hole, including a beer and two used condoms.

Proper Good Vibes launched a GoFundMe to raise $444,000 for the construction of toilets, car parks and a walking track.

The CEO said he’d donate part of his land to build a property and would make space available on his property for members of the public to safely park.

The next step for Proper Good Vibe will be to request risk assessments for the road and start the planning process for their proposed upgrades.

“We do understand that this is a beautiful place and everyone should have the right to enjoy it,” he said.

“People are welcome to come.”