Hordes of Aussies are about to descend on beaches, walking tracks and camping grounds around the country, with authorities warning they will be out in force this holiday season to curb bad behaviour and make sure people are taking their mess with them.
In fact, travellers, campers and bushwalkers have all been warned to do one thing when it comes to their number twos. And that is to leave no trace.
Earlier this year, a number of popular camping spots in Queensland introduced strict new rules prohibiting inadequate “bush toileting” and requiring all campers to bring portable toilets for their human waste. A growing number of people defecating in the bush has “posed an unacceptable risk to the health and safety” of campers and visitors, and it “threatens the area’s natural environment”, Queensland National Parks warned at the time as they introduced new fines.
That penalty has now already increased with rangers also on the look out for people not disposing of their rubbish properly.
Rangers ‘ramping up’ camping patrols
Speaking to Yahoo News this week, the Queensland Department of Environment and Tourism warned officials won’t hesitate to hand out steep fines.
“Our rangers will be ramping up patrols during peak holiday times to ensure people are doing the right thing by respecting the environment and each other,” a department spokesperson said.
Australians are taking more camping and hiking trips than ever. But it is taking a toll on the environment. Source: Instagram
Campers are being urged to make sure they minimise rubbish and take all waste and items with them when they leave.
“Littering is an increasingly common issue which is extremely disappointing — not to mention illegal,” the spokesperson said.
For those falling afoul of the simple request, on-the-spot fines start at $322 for littering in recreation areas.
Fines increase for ‘bush toileting’
According to data compiled by the federal government, Australians took 15.3 million caravan and camping trips in 2023 with this year expected to set another record high. Queensland is the most popular state with Christmas being the peak time for many intrastate and interstate travellers.
Parks authorities are keen to remind travellers that it is mandatory for all campers staying within the popular Teewah Beach camping zones and Pelican Bay and Dorrigo South camping areas, within the Inskip Point Recreation Area, to bring and use an approved portable toilet during their stay.
If you’re caught doing the wrong thing without one, you face an on-the-spot penalty of $483. That’s up slightly since the fines were introduced earlier this year.
Queensland’s Teewah Beach is a popular destination for campers and 4WD motorists. Source: Facebook
“Bush toileting and the unlawful dumping of human waste can harm the environment and pose an unacceptable risk to other campers, locals and other visitors,” a government spokesperson told Yahoo.
“We encourage campers to understand what facilities are available before packing their bags,” they added, suggesting people make sure they have a portable toilet and waste bags just in case they might need them.
“Camping over the holidays should be fun and enjoyable for everyone. In a shared space, it is important to be mindful of those around you — this includes cleaning up after yourself, being mindful of noise levels, and being a friendly and respectful neighbour.”
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