Gold Coast City Council responds to concerns over illegal campers in Burleigh Heads
A councillor has warned public car parks cannot be used as makeshift campsites after multiple complaints about eyesore campers parked up in Burleigh.
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A councillor has warned public car parks cannot be used as makeshift campsites after multiple complaints about eyesore campers parked up in Burleigh.
Residents and visitors alike have been frustrated by the sight of unkempt campers in scenic locations including Burleigh Hill and adjacent to the Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park Surf Life Saving Club.
On January 28, Burleigh Heads resident Mary Fletcher questioned the Gold Coast City Council’s (GCCC) response time to two vans which were semi-permanently parked near the Surf Life Saving Club with towels strewn across the roof.
“They’re getting free parking, showers, cooking facilities, an ocean view and the pub straight across the road,” she said on Facebook.
A GCCC spokesman said they had city officers conducting regular patrols in Burleigh Heads.
“People who are found camping illegally or sleeping in vehicles on roads or parks are educated about appropriate places to sleep before being asked to move on,” they said.
“If the person is a repeat offender, a fine may be issued to each adult in the vehicle worth $806 or five penalty units.
“Those experiencing homelessness are connected with required services where appropriate.”
Division 13 councillor Josh Martin confirmed he had received several reports from residents who noted there were “people staying in their vans overnight” in Burleigh Heads car parks.
“I completely understand why they’re frustrated,” he said.
Mr Martin said the highly sought after spots in one of the most popular locations on the Gold Coast were “not to be used as makeshift campsites”.
While Mr Martin said the issue was likely directly related to the rising homeless crisis on the Gold Coast, he warned campers council would be patrolling the area.
“Look, I get that some people are struggling and I have a lot of empathy for that,” he said.
“But at the same time, our community expects and deserves clean, safe and accessible public spaces that aren’t being taken over by long-term van dwellers.
“If someone is doing it tough, I’d encourage them to reach out to local support services that can offer real help, rather than relying on living in public car parks.”
Mr Martin said he had received similar complaints about illegal camping across his division.
“Council has rules against overnight camping in vehicles, and city law officers do patrols to enforce this.”
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Originally published as Gold Coast City Council responds to concerns over illegal campers in Burleigh Heads
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