Visitors to one of the country’s most beautiful campsites have been put on notice after an increasing ‘poo problem’ led to a strict new protocol having to be introduced.
From June 1, campers at the Dorrigo South or Pelican Bay sites in Queensland’s Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area will be required to bring a portable toilet.
The Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area is located approximately 250 km north of Brisbane.
The new regulation is intended to prevent people from defecating in nature, better known as ‘bush toileting’.
Tourists are warned that local authorities will ensure people bring a portable toilet.
“Add portable toilets to your “to bring” list and help us keep these waterfront campsites nice and healthy!” the Queensland National Parks stated on a Facebook after.
‘Bush toileting at these popular campsites poses an unacceptable risk to the health and safety of our campers and visitors, and threatens the natural environment of the area.’
Campers at the Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area are now required to bring a portable toilet
Portable toilets approved for use by Queensland National Parks can be purchased for between $50 and $300
The park has outlined that a portable toilet must have a “sealed waste holding tank and must be transportable and capable of being emptied into a portable toilet waste facility.”
“Bagged toilets and open buckets will not fool our Rangers who will be on ‘portaloo patrol’ to ensure you have a toilet and educate on the benefits of using portable toilets.” Queensland National Parks warned.
Portable toilets with enclosed waste tanks approved for use by Queensland National Parks can be purchased for between $50 and $300.
Anyone violating the new rule will be subject to an on-the-spot fine of $464.
Reactions on social media welcomed Queensland National Parks’ new rules.
“Finally, Insh*t Point will be clean again,” one Facebook user wrote.
“There’s really nothing better than sitting on your own toilet than squatting in the bush,” said another.
One camper suggested other areas should have a similar arrangement, including K’gari and Cooloola.
Queensland National Parks responded with a ‘write it down’ meme.
Others noted that the portable toilet ordinance should have been introduced much earlier.
‘About time. The amount of sh*t above ground in campsites without toilets is becoming a problem in every NP and campsite,” one camper wrote.
“Why has this taken so long, the problem has been around for years,” wrote another.
“Ten years late,” wrote another.