Burleigh Heads illegal camping: Residents fear for their safety as number of vans rises dramatically

Illegal campers are returning to the Burleigh foreshore “like flies” as they set up outside multimillion-dollar beachfront towers, with residents saying they’ve had enough. FIND OUT MORE

Concerned residents have called on councillors for a crackdown on illegal camping along The Esplanade at Burleigh with people sleeping out in vans in foreshore car parks.

The residents fear their suburb will return to the period where it was dubbed “Braw-leigh” in late 2022 when up to 40 vans were parked along the beachfront, forcing locals to stay in their units and not venture out at night due to safety concerns.

Palm 18E Neighbourhood Watch team member Lance Edbrooke said he had reached out to new councillors Nick Marshall in Division 12 and Josh Martin in Division 13 to organise a meeting.

He said residents in the past two months had reported one vehicle several times but council officers had failed to respond. Other vans were now turning up.

These are the barbecues used by people parking camper vans along the popular foreshore at Burleigh on the Gold Coast.

“As a community we can no longer stand by and hope no member of the general public is hurt by these few individuals whom assume they are above the law and they have special privileges,” he told council.

Residents were understanding of the plight of the homeless but they want council to find a solution for all stakeholders, Mr Edbrooke added.

“They come up here (as it gets cooler) and stay here. It’s like Venice Beach. They come like flies. There has to be a line drawn somewhere,” he said.

Police are expected to target the Burleigh business precinct in a high visibility operation from Monday after businesses have complained about threatening behaviour by youths.

Cr Marshall said he was “looking forward” to meeting with all Neighbourhood Watch groups to “gain an ideal outcome”.

“After speaking with the team at City Laws I can report that The City introduced timed parking restrictions along The Esplanade in February 2022, the new three-hour (3P) parking control measures on the eastern side of The Esplanade between the hours of 7am and 6pm,” he said.

Camper vans are again being parked for long periods at Burleigh along the foreshore at the popular Gold Coast beach. Residents are complaining to councillors.

“Therefore vehicles may park for an unlimited period from 3pm until 10am the following day, providing the vehicle is not being used for sleeping or camping.”

Cr Marshall said illegal camping on the Coast had been an ongoing issue for many years with police only having limited powers.

“They do come and go from time to time but end up coming back. Police do attend for any illegal activity, and they are moved on. This is a power that the police have, but it only lasts for 24 hours and they are not able to keep a continual watch on these people,” he said.

Cr Nick Marshall – going to meet with residents to find a solution. Picture: Glenn Campbell.

“The area of the Esplanade, Burleigh Heads, is also routinely monitored by after-hours patrols of the City Law Officers and City Law Rangers with illegal camping actioned appropriately. During the day, vehicles parked throughout this location are actioned according to City Parking regulations.”

Cr Martin said he would join Cr Marshall at the meetings with residents.

“I’ve agreed to meet with the group and will do so, as we share boundaries along the Burleigh beachfront, so we can ensure a consistent approach,” he said.

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