A tourist hotspot in Queensland is stepping up its campaign against illegal camping by towing away vehicles parked overnight at a popular beach lookout.
Noosa Council says too many tourists are illegally parking their campervans through the night at the nearby national park on the state’s Sunshine Coast.
The area offers great ocean views and surfers can access a break there.
Despite a ban on illegal parking and the issuing of fines, council officials say further action is needed to deter them.
They say illegal campers often leave rubbish behind and cause too much noise for residents.
The council has now escalated its crackdown by declaring nine popular beach-front car parking spots close to the national park are now tow-away zones from 10pm to 4am.
They are on the corner of Mitti Street and Park Road, Noosa.
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The council’s local laws manager Rob Smith said the new towaway zones were introduced after campers continued to flout the ‘no camping’ regulations.
“Illegal campers in breach of these restrictions could have their vehicle towed away and they’ll face significant costs to recover it, not to mention the inconvenience of being without transport while it is impounded,” he said.
“Illegal campers often leave rubbish behind showing a total disregard for the area and the environment.”
Noosa Council says the 12-month trial could be extended to other parts of the local government area.