NOVEMBER 2021

Restrictions on camper numbers

Battle continues against Inskip gastro

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CARAVANNERS and other campers planning to head to Queensland's Inskip Point for the festive season have been warned of restricted sites.

The news comes as Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) continues to battle an outbreak of gastroenteritis in the popular camping area east of Gympie.

The number of holiday revellers will be capped to existing bookings only up until December 24 in some camping areas.

Queensland Health has provided expert advice and recommended QPWS reduce camper numbers and temporarily close camping areas in a staged approach in a bid to limit the spread of the illness.

Two camping areas have already been closed from November 19 until December 3 as part of an ongoing strategy to prevent the spread of the illness which causes vomiting, diarrhoea and fever.

More than 80 campers who recently stayed at the Sarawak campsite suffered gastro symptoms.

Following the advice of Queensland Health, capacity across all open camping areas at Inskip will now be capped, with no new bookings available from noon on November 29 until December 24 as a precaution.

QPWS said it would continue monitoring the situation and receive guidance from Queensland Heath.

Campers have been urged to maintain high personal hygiene, including washing hands frequently with soap and water ‒ particularly after visiting toilets ‒ when preparing food and before eating.

QPWS has published the following information on its website:

 * From Friday 3 December 2021 until Friday 17 December 2021, MV Beagle and MV Natone camping areas will be closed to all visitors.

 * From Friday 17 December to Friday 24 December, SS Dorrigo camping area will be closed to all visitors.

 * Following the advice of Queensland Health, capacity across all open camping areas at Inskip will be capped, with no new bookings available from 12 noon Monday 29 November until Friday 24 December as a precaution and mitigation efforts to help stop the spread of the illness.

 * QPWS Rangers have continued to respond and conduct daily investigations with Queensland Health environmental specialists, and also deliver health education and actively reduce camping area capacity as part of the ongoing measures to address this continuing challenge.

 * Additional portable toilet facilities and hygiene stations have been provided to assist with improved hygiene practices for campers and day visitors.

Visitors are recommended to:

 * Wash hands often with soap and water, if this isn’t possible use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser before preparing food,
   eating and after going to the toilet.
 * Ensure every person in your group has a personal towel for hand drying.
 * Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue.
 * Ensure your campsite is located away from other tents.
 * Bring your own portable toilet where possible, particularly if camping away from facilities.
 * Keep your rubbish secure and dispose in bins provided or take home.
 * Stay at home if you or any members of your group are unwell.
 * Keep a personal supply of drinking and washing water during your stay.
 * Fresh water is available at the camping service facility located on Clarkson Drive, Rainbow Beach.
 * Check park alerts regularly for updates on current park conditions.

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