NEW on-the-spot fines will help clean up illegal campers and litterers
at the Gold Coast's Spit.
The Queensland Government has announced that Gold Coast Waterway Authority
(GCWA) employees can now issue instant fines of up to $120 in Doug
Jennings Park for a range of offences including illegal parking,
littering, and lighting fires.
"This is waterfront parkland that should be there for everyone to enjoy
without being overrun by illegal campers and rubbish, " Minister for State
Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dr Anthony Lynham
said.
"This is real progress in our plan to clean-up and rejuvenate this very
special part of the Gold Coast.
"If a case goes to court, illegal campers now face fines of up to $1200."
The fines are the culmination of behind-the-scenes work underway since
last year.
Main Roads and Ports Minister Mark Bailey said GCWA had undertaken $1.2
million worth of landscaping and rehabilitation work of areas that have
previously been illegally used by 4WD vehicles.
"GCWA, as the trustee of the park, has had concerns about its
inappropriate use, including high volume of short-term campers on weekends
and school holidays and longer-term camping at other times," Mr Bailey
said.
"The authority last year adopted a model by-law containing numerous
offences including illegal camping, littering, unauthorised motor vehicle
use and having dogs off leads.
"There are now warning signs on the gates and at key locations in the
park.
"GCWA employees will be able to issue on-the-spot fines to help protect
this area.
"The fine will range from around $60 for illegal fires to more than $120
for illegal camping."