Victoria Stone-Meadows

Measures to curb illegal camping implemented by Douglas Shire Council have seen a significant reduction in illegal camps in the last six months.

Illegal camping in the region has been a thorn in the side of Council and law enforcement for years but figures show a 63 per cent reduction to November 2018.

Illegal camping includes sleeping overnight in cars, caravans and mobile homes in areas where any form of camping is restricted by Council.

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Figures provided by Council show between June and November 2017 there was 737 illegal campers busted by local law officers.

However, the same period this year saw only 270 illegal camps.

These figures represent the number of people found to be camping illegally, not just the number of vehicles. 

Sergeant Damian Meadows of Port Douglas Police said while illegal camping falls under the jurisdiction of Council’s local law officers, police are sometimes called to assist in dealing with illegal camps.

“Police provide assistance from time to time to DSC By-laws officers when they encounter problematic campers,” he said.

“During peak season it is not uncommon to find over 50 camper vans camping illegally throughout the town.”

Douglas Shire Mayor Julia Leu said the reduction in illegal camps was a direct result of initiatives and measures taken by council.

“Significant resources are invested by Council to best manage the environmental impact and community concerns in relation to illegal camping,” she said.

“Several recommendations have already been implemented, including installing clear “no camping” signs, multi-lingual illegal camping handouts and signage, liaising with campervan rental companies about camping regulations and installing bollards and boom gates.”

Hot spots for illegal camping in Douglas Shire include Teamsters Park, St Mary’s/Sugar Wharf area, Newell Beach boat ramp, Cooya Beach, Wonga, Rotary Park, Wangetti and Mossman Showgrounds.

People found to be camping in restricted areas will be asked to move along and can face a fine from local law officers if they refuse to comply.

There are 15 commercial campsite operators in the Douglas Shire which provide approximately 890 camping sites for RVs, caravans and tents.

All commercial operators provide a range of camping options close to townships such as Port Douglas, Mowbray, Mossman, Daintree Village, Wonga Beach, Newell Beach, Cape Kimberley and Cape Tribulation.

Visit the Douglas Shire Council website for more information on where you can and cannot camp this holiday season.