Tourists breaking the law in one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations has left locals bitterly divided — and council considering a major crackdown to curb illegal activity.
In images posted to social media this week, an entire Queensland car park can be seen filled with campervans and four-wheel drives late into the evening. It is thought the backpackers are spending the night camping in the popular area.
The Noosa Spit car park — which is located just moments from the Sunshine Coast’s Noosa Heads main beach — has been trialling strict rules against parking there between the hours of 10pm and 4am since August last year. Fines for doing so vary from $77 to $116, and $309 for illegal camping. It comes as council considers increasing the penalties in a crackdown against for breaking the rules.
Locals bitterly divided over illegal act
While some residents of the Sunshine Coast are strongly against tourists making camp in the car park, where there are no amenities like toilets, others think they should be left alone amid the rising cost of living.
“I’ve personally seen, on dozens and dozens of occasions, van occupants emptying porta potty’s, dumping cooking leftovers, and washing up remains directly onto the car park, and into the neighbouring garden areas,” said one frustrated resident, adding: “I’ve seen dozens of piles of human waste and toilet paper in the bushes there.”
“No overnight camping. That’s what the signs say,” added another.
“It seems word is out about this ‘free’ accommodation and lots of the backpackers know each other.”
Others shared that they rarely visit the area since it’s grown in popularity among backpackers.
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