Problems & Solutions
The main problem that affects campers directly is overcrowding. This has been ratified by my survey and the official survey of people’s opinions. The overcrowding also indirectly causes other problems. The group and the Minister have already decided that we will not reduce numbers below 3000 maximum. The only way to reduce crowding is to provide more areas for camping.
On 13th and 14th of June I conducted a survey over Inskip. I used the Reference Map – Toilets and Bins produced by QPWS and Sunmap Topographic Image Map 9546-34. I used a GPS and adjusted the readings to the Sunmap map. The main purpose of the survey was to establish if there were areas that could be available for camping as Rob Allan of QPWS had refused to conduct such a survey.
Over the years, Parks have shut off areas to allow for regeneration. But when the areas are regenerated they remain shut off. This is the direct cause of overcrowding. It also means that areas that should be shut off can not be, because of the further overcrowding that it would bring.
The survey established that since Xmas 05 there have been 94 campsites closed by QPWS. No new campsites have been opened. During this period the Working Group has been meeting to overcome the problems of camping on Inskip which are mainly overcrowding.
I defined a campsite as an area for 3 people with a vehicle and a tent/van. I walked over much of the Point and observed, sketched, estimated and measured areas of interest.
Rob Allan of QPWS has said repeatedly that Inskip is a reserve for the environment. This is not true. It is a reserve for the environment and recreation. There must be a balance between the two and the fact that QPWS misunderstand the nature of the task is reflected in their actions.
As I observed potential campsites I classified them into two groups. The first group were campsites that I believe could be opened immediately with little environmental effect. The second group could have an environmental effect if opened but that opening would be reasonable.
| AREA | IMMEDIATE | POSSIBLE | |
| Sarawak | 39 |
17 |
|
| Beagle | 5 |
also 40 immediate in new erosion area | |
| Dorrigo | 18 |
also 10 immediate available in “campsite” | |
| Natone | 12 |
||
| Oaks | 10 |
||
| Bullock Point | 8 |
4 |
|
| "Day Use" Area | 20 |
19 |
|
| Pelican Bay Extension | 67 |
requires remedial action on “tip” | |
| South Pelican Bay | 31 |
||
| TOTAL | 200 |
50 |
50 |
Reg Lawler 18/6/06