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June 2017
 

Campers at Southport Spit

'We've listened to the community's frustrations'

Court slaps lifetime ban
on illegal Spit camper

By Dennis Amor
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TOUGH new measures to stop travellers illegally camping at a Gold Coast beauty spot have led to a lifetime ban for one offender.

The man appeared before Southport Magistrates Court accused of trespassing and was ordered never to return to Doug Jennings Park on the Southport Spit.

The action was taken by the Gold Coast Waterways Authority after swarms of caravanners, motorhomers and other campers constantly ignored no-camping rules.

Authority chief executive Hal Morris said the order served as a red light to anyone who might think about setting up camp at the Spit, which offers million-dollar views over the tourist strip.

"If you choose to camp in the park then you will face the full force of the law," he warned.

Mr Morris said the action demonstrated that the authority was serious about its responsibilities to maintain and manage the park for the enjoyment of everyone.

"Our close work with other State Government departments to achieve a permanent, long-term solution to the problem of illegal camping is now being realised,” he said.

"We’ve listened to the community's frustrations and we've worked hard to gather the necessary evidence to make the successful application."

Mr Morris said the authority now has a suite of compliance tools to ensure that appropriate action can be taken.

It includes on-the-spot fines of up to $120, fines of up to $1200 where a person is prosecuted ... or as in this case, court orders against offenders.

"We will have officers working in the park, reminding people to do the right thing," he said.

"We encourage the responsible use of Doug Jennings Park. It's a place for everybody to enjoy. But camping, like the signs say, is prohibited."