Closure blues: Iconic campground shuts down amid ongoing challenges
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The great Australian outdoors has always been a sanctuary for those of us who love to breathe in the fresh air, set up camp under the stars, and listen to the sounds of nature.
It's a pastime that many of us over 60 hold dear, as it connects us to the simpler times and the rugged beauty of our sunburnt country.
However, the recent closure of a beloved Aussie campground has left many in our community disheartened and searching for answers.
The Carnarvon Shire Council, situated a significant drive north of Perth, has made the ‘difficult decision’ to close all public amenities at the Point Quobba Blowholes campground.
This decision has come as a shock to many, as the site is not only one of Western Australia's most pristine coastal areas but also ‘notably one of our most popular attractions’, according to the council, that has drawn visitors from all over the world.
The closure, effective from November 30, has been attributed to a series of ‘complex challenges’ that the council has faced.
These challenges include the implementation of a management plan and the existence of a controversial ‘shack’ community that has been part of the area's history since the 1950s.
The Point Quobba Blowholes campground gained international attention in 2021 when the abduction of four-year-old Cleo Smith by Terence Kelly, who is now serving a 13-year sentence, occurred at the site.
Despite this tragic event, the campground has remained a favoured spot for many, including those who have built and maintained shacks there for generations.
The shacks, primarily made from untreated timber and corrugated iron sheets, have been a point of contention.
The council has expressed concerns over their structural integrity, citing the high risk of collapse due to the corrosive salt air, strong winds, and white ants.
The number of shacks has dwindled from 43 to 23 amid disputes with the state government and the Shire.
In 2022, the Shire committed to adopting a management plan that aimed at ‘providing a framework’ for future planning, development, and management of recreation and tourism in the area.
However, the council has since reported numerous ongoing challenges in implementing this plan.
A council spokeswoman explained that starting next month, ‘the Shire will cease all municipal services’ at the reserve.
This includes the management of camping and caravan sites, toilet facilities, dump points, and rubbish collection.
‘At the 22 October 2024 Ordinary Meeting of Council, the Carnarvon Shire made the difficult decision to divest itself of the management orders over the Blowholes Reserve,’ the spokeswoman said.
‘This is due to the complex challenges and intractability of issues and the inability to implement the Blowholes Reserve Management Plan (BRMP).’
‘The Shire supports the Shire President and CEO in ongoing efforts to lobby the state government to negotiate a viable path forward…with a commitment to fulfilling the original intent of the BRMP, which sought to “manage the reserve in a more strategic, coordinated, equitable and sustainable manner”,’ she added.
The Council announced that it will collaborate with the community and visitors to ensure proper communication about the transition.
In 2022, the Shire invoked the Western Australia Building Act, arguing that the remaining shacks did not meet human habitation standards and sought their removal.
The State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) determined that ten of the shacks were indeed unsafe, allowing owners until August 30 to make necessary repairs but refraining from ordering their demolition.
As of October, their current condition remains unclear.
In the council's October agenda report, several reasons were provided for the decision to close the campground.
These include the presence of the shacks, the State Administrative Tribunal's ‘determination’ to permit the shacks to ‘remain on the land and be repaired’, and the insufficient ‘financial capacity’ to conduct the necessary environmental studies and cultural heritage assessments for the implementation of the BRMP.
The report also mentioned a ‘lack of staff resources’ for executing the BRMP and ‘continued demand for infrastructure improvements and maintenance services with limited available budget’.
As the closure of another beloved Australian campground highlights the ongoing challenges faced by local authorities, nature lovers may be seeking new ways to connect with the great outdoors.
While this recent decision raises concerns about accessibility and the future of camping in the region, there are still opportunities to explore the beauty of nature in unique ways.
One such hidden gem invites adventurers to discover the stunning artistry found in fallen trees, showcasing the beauty of the natural world and inspiring appreciation for the environment.
Have you visited this iconic spot? What are your views on the challenges faced by the council in managing such areas? Let's discuss in the comments below and remember the importance of preserving Australia's natural beauty for future generations to enjoy.
It's a pastime that many of us over 60 hold dear, as it connects us to the simpler times and the rugged beauty of our sunburnt country.
However, the recent closure of a beloved Aussie campground has left many in our community disheartened and searching for answers.
The Carnarvon Shire Council, situated a significant drive north of Perth, has made the ‘difficult decision’ to close all public amenities at the Point Quobba Blowholes campground.
This decision has come as a shock to many, as the site is not only one of Western Australia's most pristine coastal areas but also ‘notably one of our most popular attractions’, according to the council, that has drawn visitors from all over the world.
The closure, effective from November 30, has been attributed to a series of ‘complex challenges’ that the council has faced.
These challenges include the implementation of a management plan and the existence of a controversial ‘shack’ community that has been part of the area's history since the 1950s.
Carnarvon Shire Council has opted to close all public amenities at the Point Quobba Blowholes campground amid various challenges. Credit: Facebook / Shire of Carnarvon
The Point Quobba Blowholes campground gained international attention in 2021 when the abduction of four-year-old Cleo Smith by Terence Kelly, who is now serving a 13-year sentence, occurred at the site.
Despite this tragic event, the campground has remained a favoured spot for many, including those who have built and maintained shacks there for generations.
The shacks, primarily made from untreated timber and corrugated iron sheets, have been a point of contention.
The council has expressed concerns over their structural integrity, citing the high risk of collapse due to the corrosive salt air, strong winds, and white ants.
The number of shacks has dwindled from 43 to 23 amid disputes with the state government and the Shire.
In 2022, the Shire committed to adopting a management plan that aimed at ‘providing a framework’ for future planning, development, and management of recreation and tourism in the area.
However, the council has since reported numerous ongoing challenges in implementing this plan.
A council spokeswoman explained that starting next month, ‘the Shire will cease all municipal services’ at the reserve.
This includes the management of camping and caravan sites, toilet facilities, dump points, and rubbish collection.
‘At the 22 October 2024 Ordinary Meeting of Council, the Carnarvon Shire made the difficult decision to divest itself of the management orders over the Blowholes Reserve,’ the spokeswoman said.
‘This is due to the complex challenges and intractability of issues and the inability to implement the Blowholes Reserve Management Plan (BRMP).’
‘The Shire supports the Shire President and CEO in ongoing efforts to lobby the state government to negotiate a viable path forward…with a commitment to fulfilling the original intent of the BRMP, which sought to “manage the reserve in a more strategic, coordinated, equitable and sustainable manner”,’ she added.
The Council announced that it will collaborate with the community and visitors to ensure proper communication about the transition.
In 2022, the Shire invoked the Western Australia Building Act, arguing that the remaining shacks did not meet human habitation standards and sought their removal.
The State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) determined that ten of the shacks were indeed unsafe, allowing owners until August 30 to make necessary repairs but refraining from ordering their demolition.
As of October, their current condition remains unclear.
In the council's October agenda report, several reasons were provided for the decision to close the campground.
These include the presence of the shacks, the State Administrative Tribunal's ‘determination’ to permit the shacks to ‘remain on the land and be repaired’, and the insufficient ‘financial capacity’ to conduct the necessary environmental studies and cultural heritage assessments for the implementation of the BRMP.
The report also mentioned a ‘lack of staff resources’ for executing the BRMP and ‘continued demand for infrastructure improvements and maintenance services with limited available budget’.
As the closure of another beloved Australian campground highlights the ongoing challenges faced by local authorities, nature lovers may be seeking new ways to connect with the great outdoors.
While this recent decision raises concerns about accessibility and the future of camping in the region, there are still opportunities to explore the beauty of nature in unique ways.
One such hidden gem invites adventurers to discover the stunning artistry found in fallen trees, showcasing the beauty of the natural world and inspiring appreciation for the environment.
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