Noosa Woods parking ban trial announced

Complaints illegal campers are using natural areas “as toilets” at a popular Noosa site have sparked strict parking bans which could roll out at other areas. Vote in our poll.

Vans parked in Noosa Woods.

An overnight parking ban is being introduced at Noosa Woods as the local government cracks down on illegal campers.

The Noosa Council will trial “no parking” times between 10pm and 4am along Claude Batten Drive at Noosa Woods in an attempt to prevent illegal campers congregating in the car park.

Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart said the decision to ban overnight parking at Noosa Woods, near Hastings St, had followed an increase in complaints to the council about illegal campers in the area.

“Last year we received 434 complaints about illegal camping. This year we’ve already surpassed 400 complaints with five months still to go,” Ms Stewart said.

Director of development and regulation Richard MacGillivray said there were safety issues as well as parking concerns for locals and tourists hoping to use the Noosa Woods area.

“With campers getting together, drinking and getting rowdy there are safety issues for the public and our Local Laws Officers, as well as the impact of the mess and food waste being left behind, which poses a threat to our native flora and fauna,” Mr MacGillivray said.

“The vans are monopolising parking spaces into the morning so others can’t park there, and our natural areas are even being used as toilets.”

Mr MacGillivray said if the ban was found to be successful along Claude Batten Drive after the two-month trial other areas in Noosa experiencing similar overnight parking woes could expect to see the same measures introduced.

“If trialling the no-parking zone proves effective we can look to adopt similar arrangements in other areas,” Mr MacGillivray said.

Mr MacGillivray said support would be offered to be those experiencing housing stress, adding they were not the target of the new restrictions.

“In fact, our staff are trained to assist people in need with referrals to services that may be able to support them to find accommodation,” he said.

The trial will begin on August 28 and include a two-week transition period.