The perennial issue of illegal camping is back in the spotlight as the region prepares for another peak season of travellers.

Every year, scores of campervans make their temporary homes in our parks and streets, raising the ire of some locals who accuse these visitors of leaving behind a trail of litter and human excrement.

An already stretched local police force, and a lack of council presence mean offenders go mainly unpunished.

Asked whether a full time council officer will be handing out fines to illegal campers this season, a council spokesperson said a strategy to tackle the issue is currently being finalised.

"CRC has been involved in discussions with representatives of both the holiday park industry and caravan tourism bodies. A recreational vehicle management strategy is being finalised and is expected to be presented to Council next month.

"This strategy aims to address infrastructure needs and other concerns raised by the various groups while attracting more visitors to the region and supporting the local economy.

"As actions will be a result of the yet-to-be-finalised strategy and pending adoption by Council, it is too early to comment on what specific infrastructure will or won’t be installed."

The spokesperson said she was not aware of any specific plans for new signage warning of on-the-spot fines, but added that signage has already been installed in all "known illegal camping 'hot spots' including Cow Bay, which received signage late last year."

Meanwhile, Cook Shire Council is aiming to cash in on the self-drive market by installing a waste water 'Dump-Ezy' unit

The Council said Recreational Vehicle (RV) tourists are not the only people to benefit from the establishment of the new dump point, saying local tourism and the environment are also boosted by such a development.

Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia Member Advantages Team Leader, Elizabeth Dallen, said the installation of one of these units can bring economic benefits to towns, especially those in rural areas.

"Having a public dump point is an attraction to mobile tourists, and we need to remember that this is the fastest growing segment of the tourism industry in this country."

"Installing a dump point and providing the necessary rest areas for these travellers will encourage them to visit, stay, and spend their dollars in that town with the local businesses."

CMCA hopes an increasing number of towns will be able to benefit from such infrastructure, as the Club continues to expand the dump point network throughout the country.

Under the subsidy scheme, selected councils are given a 'Dump Ezy' dump point unit free of charge, the only cost to the council being for the installation of the unit.