The recent “Connecting With Council’ event at Allora (Queensland, Australia) saw one of the locals mentioning that the region’s campgrounds are overcrowded and traffic is getting backed up, a report said. This is due to the growing tourism in the area.
A resident told Council members, “The campgrounds up there, [they’re] limited [to] 50 cars, 300 people.”
“There are 1000s up there,” she added.
Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor, Vic Pennisi, stated that Council “are the regulators in relation to compliance issues, and the way those compliance issues often are triggered is by someone complaining in the first place.”
He added that the region has 4000 companies so “it’s very difficult for us to go to 4000 businesses and make sure they’re compliant”.
The homeowner then stated that the drive for tourism has resulted in overcrowding and is negatively impacting the local population.
“What can tourism do for an average taxpayer? It does nothing.”
She then said she lived on the same street for 14 years and though she was delighted that more people visiting the area led to repairs, the amount of traffic has become “unbelievable”.
Councilor Cynthia McDonald questioned whether there were particular campgrounds the Council could look into. The resident suggested that it was basically most of the campgrounds.
Mayor Pennisi recommended that locals provide the council information regarding specific camping grounds they had in mind in order for them to examine the said sites.
A Council spokesperson added that the Council is responsible for the Washpool Campgrounds at Leslie Dam and the Connolly Dam campgrounds“.
“Council operates both of these facilities within a Covid-safe Industry Plan that, in part, restricts campsites from being any closer than 10 meters from each other.”
“This ensures that the numbers at our facilities can be managed appropriately.”
The spokesperson added that the Council has engaged with third parties to ensure that these requirements are adhered to.