CAMPING will continue at the Beerwah Sportsground as part of a 12-month trial, following on going conjecture and confusion about the future of camping in the town centre.
After previously stating that short-term camping will cease at Beerwah Sportsground from May 31, and following repeated enquiries from GC&M News, the Sunshine Coast Council has confirmed a 12-month permit and Accommodation Park Licence has indeed been granted to a privately owned operator, to continue short-term camping options.
“After being advised that the Beerwah Sportsground Management Committee had elected to surrender its lease over the Beerwah Sportsground, Council has responded to feedback from the Beerwah community and has put in place measures to allow for the continuation of restricted camping at the Sportsground,” a Council spokesperson said.
A Council spokesperson confirmed a local campground operator had been approached by Council to conduct the 12-month camping trial, however due to the 12-month initial permit length, a public tender process was not required.
The new operators have access to the site from June 1, however Council could not confirm a re-opening date. “Council will be working with an experienced operator to review camping activities over the initial 12-month trial period,” a spokesperson said.
“The operator will provide a consistent on-site presence and work to improve on-site compliance through the Accommodation Park Licence, assist in improving visitor safety, security and discouraging anti-social behaviour.”
Outgoing Beerwah Sportsground Management Committee (BSMC) member Helen Weil said it was a positive that camping would continue.
“In my opinion, people would suffer if there was no affordable campground here and it’s great for the local businesses, RV travellers and people who might be stuck for somewhere to stay,” she said.