Calls for further enforcement of prohibited camping on Gold Coast

A Gold Coast councillor has called for more patrols over the holiday season to tackle hordes of campers that have claimed parkland on the coast.

GOLD COAST councillor Daphne McDonald has called for more patrols over the holiday season, to tackle hordes of campers that have claimed parkland on the coast.

The calls follow frustration from Palm Beach residents over a collection of prohibited camps at the Tallebudgera Creek Park.

A dozen tents had been erected on the playground’s astroturf in the New Year, to the frustration of residents who say they are fed up with campers abusing the area every holiday.

Several visitors and residents had reported the issue to council.

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One of a dozen tents in place at the Tallebudgera Creek Park. Picture Glenn Hampson

Division 13 Councillor Daphne McDonald said she had also reported the campers when she was made aware of the problem.

“It makes it very unpleasant for day trippers, it is for everyone to use not just a certain few,” Ms McDonald said.

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“This isn’t only happening at Tallebudgera, it is happening at Paradise Point and other areas.”

Cr McDonald said she didn’t agree with on the spot fines, but the number of patrols needed to increase.

Camping is prohibited at the Tallebudgera Creek Park. Picture Glenn Hampson

“I believe the only way we can tackle the issue it to is have more patrols,” Ms McDonald said.

“The fact that they have been there for a week and have not been moved shows they need to be policing it further.”

In the last month the Gold Coast City Council issued just two fines for illegal camping.

Fines are not always issued by Council officers, instead a fine may be issued after a person has been asked to move on initially.

“Issuing fines is only one measure we can adopt as we prefer to work with people,” a council spokesman said.

A large group from Brisbane has been camping at the Tallebudgera Creek Park. Group spokesman Jeremy (no last name given) cooks lunch for the group. Picture Glenn Hampson

A more heavy handed tactic has proven to be a success when tackling the issue further north.

In December 2017 the Gold Coast Waterways Authority saw a dramatic decrease in the number of campers on the Spit when it began issuing on the spot fines.

Save Our Spit president Dr Steve Gration who was behind the movement to clean up the Spit said the program has successfully reduced the number of tents and vans being pitched.

“From our perspective the Waterway Authority bylaws were effective in combating the number of illegal campers,” Mr Gration said.

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A large group from Brisbane illegally camping at Tallebudgera Creek Park. Picture Glenn Hampson

“The combination of gates and on the spot fines reduced the numbers which helped us preserve the area.

“I understand there is an under-supply of cheap camping spots on the Gold Coast, but some areas needed to be protected.”

A resident — who has lived in the Palm Beach area of more than two decades — said the campsites had impacted on parking and residents’ ability to use the Tallebudgera Creek area.

“They are around the children’s playground and the toilets, so no one can use them it really impacts on the locals and the appeal of the area for other visitors,” the resident said.

“My main concern is the impact on the environment, a lot of rubbish ends up in the creek.”

The campers who had set up at a the Tallebudgera Creek Park say they weren’t aware camping at the park was prohibited.

Brisbane man Jeremy who had been at the park since Tuesday with a group of 15 others, said he had only chosen the spot because he saw others camping.

“When we got here there were heaps of tents, no one said it was a problem,” he said.

“We were here for Christmas, and came back for New years.”

Jeremy said he was yet to be approached by any locals or council.

“We like the fishing here and it was the only spot left,” he said.

GOLD COAST CITY COUNCIL PARK RULES:

• Maximum fine for camping on public land: 50 penalty units ($6527).
• Penalty infringement notices issued by Local Law Officers are worth $653.
• It is illegal to sleep overnight in a public place within the City including in a tent, motor vehicle or otherwise. It is also illegal to set up tents or caravans (and the like), on private property such as vacant land, private lawns or commercial premises, for the purpose of sleeping overnight.