Bold new $200k plan at Aussie camping hotspot overrun by illegal tourists
Authorities in Exmouth hope a bold new plan will tackle the growing issue of illegal camping.
A local council at one of the country's most pristine traveller hotspots said it hopes a bold new plan will tackle the growing issue of illegal camping, which has been plaguing the area for years.
Exmouth, a small resort town on Western Australia’s North West Cape, is known for its breathtaking coastlines and white sand beaches, but in past years it has also dealt with soaring levels of illegal camping, which left residents and local authorities at odds over how best to manage the issue. It's a problem affecting popular camping spots all over the country, but is especially rife in parts of WA's north.
Due to the area's fragile and unique natural environment, council said illegal camping was badly impacting vegetation growth and voted in a February to increase the amount of funding allocated to illegal camping prevention to $200,000. It was then announced that a new campground would be erected in the area to combat the problem, which has since opened.
Council says 'new campground great', but not everyone complying
Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, a spokesperson for the Shire of Exmouth Council said the new campsite — near the town centre on Reserve 29066 — has deterred some people from squatting in areas they shouldn't, with rangers regularly deployed to ensure travellers are compliant.
"While the site is great, the Shire still experiences illegal camping, which disgruntles residents and other travellers alike," the spokeswoman told Yahoo. "Due to our location and unique environment, the Shire cannot offer free or wild camp facilities without a camp host.
"In addition to travellers willing to plan their stay and book accommodation in advance, we experience those who do not plan ahead and travel the long way to Exmouth before securing accommodation and choosing to illegally camp on beaches and reserves instead."
The council said it is looking into other solutions to alleviate the stress on the natural environment and on the community."
There's been over 3,000 bookings since the new site opened on land leased by the Exmouth Horseman's Club.
After receiving approval from the Council in April, the Exmouth Horseman's Club Inc., which had been on a temporary lease since 1993, has now secured a 10-year lease, with the option to renew for another 10 years. This marks an important milestone for both the club and the Shire of Exmouth, supporting long-term growth and efforts to reduce illegal camping on the North West Cape, the council said.
Sustainable solution for both locals and travellers
Shire President Matthew Niikkula described the new campground as a "sustainable solution" that benefits both locals and visitors.
"This collaborative effort is a testament to the commitment of the Shire of Exmouth and the Exmouth Horseman's Club to address the issue of illegal camping and to provide sustainable solutions that benefit both the local community and the environment," he earlier said. "I am excited to share more updates as this initiative progresses.
"As the club looks ahead to the future, the renewed lease and the ongoing collaboration with the Shire of Exmouth signify a commitment to sustainable and responsible land use. Council is very excited to work together to create a welcoming and well-managed space for all to enjoy. Exciting times lie ahead as we embark on this journey of progress and cooperation with one of our longstanding community clubs."
The spokeswoman said the campground is for camping use only, so "no caravans, camper trailers or RVs are permitted". "It's suitable for tents, cartop tents or swags," she said.
Camping is only allowed in designated campgrounds and caravan parks along the shire including in the Cape Range National Park.
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