Campsite abandoned, set on fire at popular spot

Nearby residents said they’ve had enough of polluting behaviour and disregard for the Seaforth area.

Illegal dumping at a camping site at Belmunda near Seaforth. Picture: Mackay Regional Council

AN ENTIRE campsite at popular Belmunda, including a tent, food and baby clothes has been set on fire after apparently being abandoned.

Nearby residents said they had had enough of the polluting behaviour and disregard for the Seaforth area.

Tim Lean, who works at a cattle station up the road, said the littered remains included children's toys and nappies and empty liquor cans tossed in the mangroves.

"It looked like they had a big party and they couldn't be bothered packing anything up," Mr Lean said.

"Someone has also tried to set fire to (the items)."

Illegal dumping at a camping site at Belmunda near Seaforth. Picture: Tim Lean

Mr Lean said the littering at Belmunda and in the wider Seaforth area was worsening, with cattle even consuming the rubbish left behind.

"We're forever picking up furniture, TVs … piles of household rubbish … the boat ramp is an absolute pig sty" he said.

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Illegal dumping at a camping site at Belmunda near Seaforth. Picture: Tim Lean

A Mackay Regional Council spokesman said it was disappointing to find the mess at the popular fishing and camping spot "left behind for others to clean up".

The others include Dillon Winbank who lives nearby, at Mt Jukes.

Mr Winbank said it made him "sick" to see his favourite fishing spot trashed.

"It was just terrible," he said.

"Everything was just left there including baby clothes, pillows, water bottles, jerry cans, a couple of little baggies and a burnt spoon … (and) two pairs of thongs, work shoes and socks."

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He said it took two hours to clean the site, with the rubbish filling the back of his dual cab ute.

The dumping follows an alleged looting and littering at Newry Island, a short boat trip from Seaforth's Victor Creek boat ramp.

Illegal dumping can be reported to the council on 1300 622 529.

If you have further information about the Newry Island theft, phone PoliceLink on 13 14 44.

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