Outrage erupts as beloved Australian destination bans tourists—will it survive?
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We at the Seniors Discount Club love keeping you informed about the latest must-visit destinations, scenic drives, and ideal camping spots. But today, we bring you some disappointing news, as one popular Australian camping destination has recently closed its doors to tourists, sparking outrage amongst local residents, businesses and visitors alike.
The site in question is the picturesque Georgina River in Camooweal, Queensland. Located a mere two hours west of Mount Isa and just 10 minutes away from the Northern Territory border, Camooweal has long been a favourite camping ground amongst grey nomads and adventurers, especially during the dry season from May to September.
Just as the town was gearing up for its busiest period of the year, the Mount Isa City Council announced the shocking closure of public access to the riverbanks and two major billabongs, Lake Francis and Lake Canellan. The council cited the need to 'protect cultural heritage' for a period of six months as the main reason for the decision. However, local residents will still be allowed to visit the banks for fishing and water-related activities.
The impact of this decision has left the community divided, with some drawing parallels to the situation in December, where tourists were turned away from a seaside town in NSW due to traffic congestion.
While the site is managed by the Myuma Group, representing the traditional owners of the upper Georgina River region, the closure has fueled speculation about a possible rise in similar actions across Australia, following the introduction of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
The small town of Camooweal, with a population of a mere 236 people, finds its local businesses and livelihoods hanging in the balance. Many are worried that tourists will give the town a wide berth, opting for more accessible locations instead — a rather dire prospect for a town that relies heavily on visitor influx.
Mount Isa Mayor, Danielle Slade, issued an apology for the 'inconvenience,' and optimistically suggested the closure might have a 'positive effect' on Camooweal, as campers and caravanners could choose to stay in the town’s caravan park. However, workers at the Camooweal Roadhouse don't share her outlook.
Sandeep Kumar, Site Manager at the Camooweal Roadhouse, expressed his concerns, saying that the closure would negatively impact business. According to Kumar, the Roadhouse sees numerous travellers returning year after year to visit the town and stay at the camping ground.
He also claimed that the council did not consult local businesses or give them any notice before announcing the decision on Thursday.
Offering authentic experiences is the key priority for places like Camooweal, as tourists crave more meaningful connections with local people and places. This could range from supported itineraries that connect travellers with local Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or multicultural communities, to promoting local product tours, bush tucker walks, and slow-travel itineraries that support the local economy.
The possibilities for cultural-based tourism to meet the needs of both tourists and local communities are endless — the challenge now is to move beyond traditional models and, to do so safely, responsibly and with respect for local customs. By doing so, we will be able to create more authentic and meaningful experiences, while also helping to lift the spirits of places like Camooweal, and ensure their long-term viability.
To all our valued SDC members, despite this news, we sincerely hope it doesn't discourage you from exploring and enjoying the breathtaking landscapes and hidden treasures our country has to offer. There are still countless spectacular spots waiting to be discovered, and we'll be here, providing you with the latest updates every step of the way.
We would love to hear from you! Please share your thoughts, concerns, and travel experiences with us. Your insights are invaluable, and we greatly appreciate your contribution to our community. Let's keep the conversation going and continue to inspire each other's travel adventures.
The site in question is the picturesque Georgina River in Camooweal, Queensland. Located a mere two hours west of Mount Isa and just 10 minutes away from the Northern Territory border, Camooweal has long been a favourite camping ground amongst grey nomads and adventurers, especially during the dry season from May to September.
This year, camping along the banks of the Georgina River in Camooweal will be prohibited. Source: Facebook/Wild Tribe and Facebook/J33pz Adventures
Just as the town was gearing up for its busiest period of the year, the Mount Isa City Council announced the shocking closure of public access to the riverbanks and two major billabongs, Lake Francis and Lake Canellan. The council cited the need to 'protect cultural heritage' for a period of six months as the main reason for the decision. However, local residents will still be allowed to visit the banks for fishing and water-related activities.
The impact of this decision has left the community divided, with some drawing parallels to the situation in December, where tourists were turned away from a seaside town in NSW due to traffic congestion.
While the site is managed by the Myuma Group, representing the traditional owners of the upper Georgina River region, the closure has fueled speculation about a possible rise in similar actions across Australia, following the introduction of the Indigenous Voice to Parliament.
The small town of Camooweal, with a population of a mere 236 people, finds its local businesses and livelihoods hanging in the balance. Many are worried that tourists will give the town a wide berth, opting for more accessible locations instead — a rather dire prospect for a town that relies heavily on visitor influx.
Mount Isa Mayor, Danielle Slade, issued an apology for the 'inconvenience,' and optimistically suggested the closure might have a 'positive effect' on Camooweal, as campers and caravanners could choose to stay in the town’s caravan park. However, workers at the Camooweal Roadhouse don't share her outlook.
Sandeep Kumar, Site Manager at the Camooweal Roadhouse, expressed his concerns, saying that the closure would negatively impact business. According to Kumar, the Roadhouse sees numerous travellers returning year after year to visit the town and stay at the camping ground.
He also claimed that the council did not consult local businesses or give them any notice before announcing the decision on Thursday.
Alternatives to Traditional Tourism that Support Local Cultures and Communities
While the closure of the Georgina River has sparked outrage in the small town of Camooweal, there is potential for other forms of tourism to help fill the gap, while keeping the local culture and heritage intact.Offering authentic experiences is the key priority for places like Camooweal, as tourists crave more meaningful connections with local people and places. This could range from supported itineraries that connect travellers with local Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or multicultural communities, to promoting local product tours, bush tucker walks, and slow-travel itineraries that support the local economy.
The possibilities for cultural-based tourism to meet the needs of both tourists and local communities are endless — the challenge now is to move beyond traditional models and, to do so safely, responsibly and with respect for local customs. By doing so, we will be able to create more authentic and meaningful experiences, while also helping to lift the spirits of places like Camooweal, and ensure their long-term viability.
We would love to hear from you! Please share your thoughts, concerns, and travel experiences with us. Your insights are invaluable, and we greatly appreciate your contribution to our community. Let's keep the conversation going and continue to inspire each other's travel adventures.
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