Campers moved on by Council
Soft crackdown
Douglas Shire Officers were patrolling Four Mile Park today and asking campers to move on in what’s believed to be a response to camping ground accommodation freeing up more in the Shire, particularly after the school holidays.
Two female staff with the words ‘Local Laws’ on their uniforms and wearing body cameras spoke to several of the visitors who are breaking Council Regulations by camping at the park near Port Douglas. It came as a bit of a shock to 27-year-old Tom from Belgium “They asked me to leave the park and find accommodation elsewhere” he said.
Tom told Newsport that he was relieved not to get a fine “they were polite and simply pointed out I couldn’t be here”. Tom, who’s travelling alone said he couldn’t find any accommodation when he arrived a couple of weeks ago, so the park became home while he explored all the local gems we have.
Meanwhile this camper setting up anywhere situation is not only a local problem. Newsport reader Tony, from Elite Transfers Cairns contacted us to voice his disapproval over the whole situation, and if anyone should know, it’s Tony, who travels the Captain Cook Highway every day. “It’s happening from Wangetti right the way through to Buchan Point, near Palm Cove, I totally understand the lack of housing and caravan parks being full but it’s now getting beyond a joke with the amount of illegal campers pitching tents, or sleeping in their vehicles, I counted 32 vehicles that I could see from the road with some being in the same spot for more than two weeks” he said. While Tony says he appreciates these people visiting our beautiful part of the world, there are limits. “It’s Illegal, there are signs posted and where are they going to the toilet? where are they doing their number ones and number twos? on our pristine beaches that’s where” he said.
Douglas Shire Council response
Douglas Shire Council in response to our inquiries about today’s soft crackdown at Four Mile Park provided a statement from the Mayor Michael Kerr.
Council has received multiple complaints regarding illegal camping at Four Mile Park.
Camping, including staying overnight in caravans and mobile homes, is prohibited outside of licensed caravan parks, or camping grounds.
Council staff have the discretion to advise people to stay at Teamsters Park if they have nowhere else to go. There are also a number of vacancies at local caravan parks.
The local laws uniform has been in place for at least five years, and the body worn cameras in place for at least three years.
Council has a policy which provides guidance to staff and contractors, and the general public, on the ethical, lawful and efficient use of body worn cameras.