IT'S called Funny Dunny Park ... a well-known spot for a couple of nights of free camping for caravanners and other travellers in North Queensland.

But the people of Wunjunga, a seaside town south of Home Hill, have now decided that control of the camping area – complete with designer toilet – should pass to Burdekin Shire Council.

And that has resulted in fears the park, which has become a favourite for budget-conscious travellers, could be closed, prompting the Home Hill Chamber of Commerce to plead with the council to ensure it remains open.

Letters from secretary Marie Finn to the council and local progress association, which currently runs Funny Dunny Park, said several members of the chamber had fielded questions about rumours of its closure.

"Anecdotal evidence suggests that those who stay there enjoy themselves and contribute to the economy of the whole Burdekin district, shopping for supplies in both Ayr and Home Hill," she wrote.

She said the chamber wanted to record its support for the park and congratulated the efforts of Wunjunga citizens to keep it open. The facility had been provided as a tribute to the late Ray Davies, a former Burdekin Shire councillor.

"I will conclude with a comment by someone who stayed in the park recently ... 'We are learning not to judge a book by its cover – the flashest parks haven't been as friendly as Funny Dunny Park'," Ms Finn added.

Wunjunga Progress Association president Allan Shand told local media that visitors to the park were never any trouble and contributed to the Home Hill economy.

One recent traveller had told him she spent $200 at Home Hill on groceries and her husband had two gas bottles refilled.

''They put money into the town. They treasure the place," he added.

But some locals have become incensed over irresponsible travellers setting up eyesore campsites at Funny Dunny Park for weeks on end, resulting in criticism from other grey nomads who happily obey the rules and move on after a couple of nights.

SEND YOUR COMMENTS OR
STORY IDEAS TO
CARAVANNING NEWS