Tourists are flocking in, but locals say it’s a disaster: ‘It’s like Groundhog Day’
- Replies 7
Holiday hotspots are a magnet for travellers, but when visitor numbers surge, so do the challenges for local communities.
One picturesque Australian destination is once again grappling with a familiar issue—an influx of travellers setting up camp where they shouldn’t.
Now, tensions are rising as locals call for tougher action, while others argue that a different approach is needed.
Residents of a popular Australian holiday destination expressed growing frustration over the annual influx of illegal campers, claiming authorities were failing to manage the issue effectively.
Camping was prohibited in many areas of Margaret River unless in designated campgrounds.
Strict regulations were enforced by the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River to protect national parks, nature reserves and roadside rest areas.
The shire, located three hours south of Perth, posted on social media urging visitors and locals to ‘tread lightly and respect the natural environment’.
It encouraged proper waste disposal and adherence to bushfire safety rules.
Officials also reminded travellers to book accommodation in advance and announced an increase in ranger patrols to address the problem.
However, the post sparked backlash from residents, who argued that the message should have been directed at visitors rather than ratepayers.
‘It’s like Groundhog Day at the Shire. Every year, without fail, the issue of illegal camping, waste disposal, sanitation and bushfire risk catches the Shire by "surprise". It’s long past due that the Shire got proactive and managed this annual problem,’ one man wrote.
‘This is great but it's not the Shire residents causing the issues, it’s the travellers. They’re the ones who need this message,’ a woman said, adding that most visitors likely didn’t follow the shire’s social media pages.
Another person argued that authorities encouraged tourism but failed to provide adequate infrastructure, stating the council ‘advertises for people to visit [and] take their money, but won't accommodate them’.
Council acknowledged the increasing population and demand for shared spaces.
It stated that it was exploring options to expand facilities while encouraging environmental responsibility and community cohesion.
Despite this, residents remained dissatisfied with enforcement efforts, particularly the focus on daytime patrols.
Many argued that illegal campers were unlikely to be caught under the current system.
Some called for a dedicated night ranger, while others suggested bringing back wheel clamping.
‘Dusk-to-dawn patrols are great, but the real problem happens outside those hours,’ one man said.
‘What’s the point of doubling patrols when they’re only catching people during the day? If rangers patrolled at night when people are actually camping, they’d be able to fine offenders instead of letting them get away with it,’ he added.
Others claimed that travellers used social media to share tips on avoiding rangers and finding hidden camping spots.
Concerns over bushfire risks and public safety remained at the centre of the debate.
Some locals noted that free camping was once common in the region and that attitudes had shifted over time.
Reports from Snap Send Solve last year highlighted thousands of complaints about illegally parked RVs and caravans along both the east and west coasts of Australia.
‘These figures underscore a widespread issue across the country, particularly in urban areas where space is limited and pedestrian and road safety are critical,’ CEO Danny Gorog shared.
Councils faced the challenge of balancing tourism with local concerns.
The Town of Cambridge in Perth was previously criticised for shutting off hot water at public showers to deter illegal campers.
In Western Australia’s Turquoise Coast, authorities condemned travellers for leaving behind rubbish, warning their ‘legacy will be remembered for a while to come’.
Exmouth, a resort town famed for its white sand beaches, also struggled with illegal camping.
Last year, it allocated additional funding to create a new campground to help address the issue.
Shire of Augusta-Margaret River has been contacted for comment.
In a previous story, residents voiced their anger over illegal campers taking up parking spaces at a popular beach, leaving locals struggling to find a spot.
The issue has only escalated, with frustration mounting over the lack of enforcement.
Read more about how the situation unfolded here.
With illegal camping sparking debate across Australia, should councils focus on stricter enforcement or better facilities to accommodate travellers?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
One picturesque Australian destination is once again grappling with a familiar issue—an influx of travellers setting up camp where they shouldn’t.
Now, tensions are rising as locals call for tougher action, while others argue that a different approach is needed.
Residents of a popular Australian holiday destination expressed growing frustration over the annual influx of illegal campers, claiming authorities were failing to manage the issue effectively.
Camping was prohibited in many areas of Margaret River unless in designated campgrounds.
Strict regulations were enforced by the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River to protect national parks, nature reserves and roadside rest areas.
Locals outraged over illegal camping surge. Image source: Facebook/Ravi Lingam
The shire, located three hours south of Perth, posted on social media urging visitors and locals to ‘tread lightly and respect the natural environment’.
It encouraged proper waste disposal and adherence to bushfire safety rules.
Officials also reminded travellers to book accommodation in advance and announced an increase in ranger patrols to address the problem.
However, the post sparked backlash from residents, who argued that the message should have been directed at visitors rather than ratepayers.
‘It’s like Groundhog Day at the Shire. Every year, without fail, the issue of illegal camping, waste disposal, sanitation and bushfire risk catches the Shire by "surprise". It’s long past due that the Shire got proactive and managed this annual problem,’ one man wrote.
‘This is great but it's not the Shire residents causing the issues, it’s the travellers. They’re the ones who need this message,’ a woman said, adding that most visitors likely didn’t follow the shire’s social media pages.
Another person argued that authorities encouraged tourism but failed to provide adequate infrastructure, stating the council ‘advertises for people to visit [and] take their money, but won't accommodate them’.
Council acknowledged the increasing population and demand for shared spaces.
It stated that it was exploring options to expand facilities while encouraging environmental responsibility and community cohesion.
Despite this, residents remained dissatisfied with enforcement efforts, particularly the focus on daytime patrols.
Many argued that illegal campers were unlikely to be caught under the current system.
Some called for a dedicated night ranger, while others suggested bringing back wheel clamping.
‘Dusk-to-dawn patrols are great, but the real problem happens outside those hours,’ one man said.
‘What’s the point of doubling patrols when they’re only catching people during the day? If rangers patrolled at night when people are actually camping, they’d be able to fine offenders instead of letting them get away with it,’ he added.
Others claimed that travellers used social media to share tips on avoiding rangers and finding hidden camping spots.
Concerns over bushfire risks and public safety remained at the centre of the debate.
Some locals noted that free camping was once common in the region and that attitudes had shifted over time.
Reports from Snap Send Solve last year highlighted thousands of complaints about illegally parked RVs and caravans along both the east and west coasts of Australia.
‘These figures underscore a widespread issue across the country, particularly in urban areas where space is limited and pedestrian and road safety are critical,’ CEO Danny Gorog shared.
Councils faced the challenge of balancing tourism with local concerns.
The Town of Cambridge in Perth was previously criticised for shutting off hot water at public showers to deter illegal campers.
In Western Australia’s Turquoise Coast, authorities condemned travellers for leaving behind rubbish, warning their ‘legacy will be remembered for a while to come’.
Exmouth, a resort town famed for its white sand beaches, also struggled with illegal camping.
Last year, it allocated additional funding to create a new campground to help address the issue.
Shire of Augusta-Margaret River has been contacted for comment.
In a previous story, residents voiced their anger over illegal campers taking up parking spaces at a popular beach, leaving locals struggling to find a spot.
The issue has only escalated, with frustration mounting over the lack of enforcement.
Read more about how the situation unfolded here.
With illegal camping sparking debate across Australia, should councils focus on stricter enforcement or better facilities to accommodate travellers?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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