Visitors to one of the country’s most impressive campsites have been warned, after a growing “poo problem” forced a strict new protocol to be implemented.
Starting June 1, campers at the Dorrigo South or Pelican Bay sites in Queensland’s Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area must bring a portable toilet.
The Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area is located about 250 km north of Brisbane.
The new regulation aims to prevent people from relieving themselves in nature, better known as “bathing in the bush.”
Tourists are warned that local authorities will be vigilant to ensure people bring a portable toilet with them.
‘Add portable toilets to your list of things to bring and help us keep these waterfront campgrounds beautiful and healthy!’ Queensland National Parks stated in a Facebook mail.
“The use of toilets in these popular camping areas poses an unacceptable risk to the health and safety of our campers and visitors, as well as threatening the natural environment of the area.”
Campers at Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area are now required to bring a portable toilet.
Portable toilets approved for use in Queensland National Parks can be purchased for between $50 and $300
The park has defined that a portable toilet must have a “sealed waste holding tank and be transportable and suitable for emptying into a disposable portable toilet waste facility.”
“Open bucket and bag style toilets will not fool our Rangers, who will be on ‘portaloo patrol’ making sure you have your toilet and providing education on the benefits of using portable toilets.” Queensland national parks warned.
Portable toilets with sealed tanks to contain waste approved for use by Queensland National Parks can be purchased for between $50 and $300.
Anyone found violating the new rule can be punished with an immediate fine of $464.
Comments on social media applauded Queensland National Parks’ new rules.
“Finally Insh*t Point will start to be clean again,” wrote one Facebook user.
“There’s actually nothing better than sitting on the toilet than squatting in the bushes,” said another.
One camper suggested other areas should have similar regulation, including K’gari and Cooloola.
Queensland National Parks responded with a “write it down” meme.
Others commented that the portable toilet regulation should have been implemented much sooner.
‘It was time. “The amount of shit on the ground in any campground that doesn’t have a toilet is becoming a problem in all national parks and campgrounds,” one camper wrote.
“Why did it take so long? The problem has been around for years,” wrote another.
“Ten years too late,” wrote another.