Illegal camping Gold Coast: Burleigh resident subject of terrifying threat

Residents of a Gold Coast beachside suburb say they are too afraid to walk in the area at night after terrifying encounters with illegal campers.

A council candidate is promising a crackdown on illegal campers at hotspots such as the Burleigh Esplanade and Tallebudgera after residents expressed safety concerns.

Division 13 candidate Katrina Beikoff has been approached by apartment owners furious about tourists living in vans and cars along The Esplanade between Burleigh Heads and north Burleigh.

The camping vans around Burleigh beach.

“Residents are complaining that Burleigh Esplanade is turning into an illegal camp zone, with 20 or more illegal campers and cars setting up nightly and some campers staying for extended periods,” Ms Beikoff said.

“They are likening Burleigh to Venice Beach beachfront in LA due to the influx of people free-camping and taking over the area — they fear it is becoming a local no-go zone.

“This issue is serious as it creates safety concerns for residents. I’m aware of one Burleigh resident reporting to police that he had been chased and verbally assaulted after trying to do something about it.

“Safety and enjoyment of the area by all is priority. Illegal camping also puts pressure on the facilities and an ability by others to access this area that is meant to be enjoyed by all.”

The parking problem with camper vans around Burleigh beach.

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A resident contacted by The Bulletin confirmed he had gone to police after being threatened by one of the male campers.

“It’s very dangerous. This guy confronted me. I called the police,” the resident said.

After the resident spoke to the camper, the man told him: “You dog, you dog. I live here. I’m going to get you.”

Residents acknowledge some of the campers are homeless but many are tourists avoiding the paying of fees at council tourist parks.

They believe some of them arrange for friends to hire a unit and they can access the hot showers at the apartment while still using the barbecues in the park to cook at night.

“I used to walk down to James Street to go to a restaurant at night with my wife. I won’t do it on a Saturday morning now,” the resident said.

Division 13 Gold Coast City Council candidate Katrina Beikoff.

Ms Beikoff said increased signage alerting people that camping in these areas was illegal was the first step, along with clear information about penalties.

“We often hear that people camping at Tallebudgera and Burleigh claim they don’t know that it’s illegal — that’s simple to address,” Ms Beikoff said.

More signage and on-the-spot fines would deter people using the area as a camp site, she said.

“A crackdown at The Spit was effective in moving and deterring people illegally camping in that area when it became a problem. We must do the same in Burleigh and Tallebudgera to ensure these beautiful areas are safe and available for all to share and enjoy,” she said.