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Australians face $322 fine after ‘annoying’ camping trend takes off

Australians face 2 fine after ‘annoying’ camping trend takes off

As more Australians go on camping trips, pressure is increasing on campsites across the country to provide accommodation and find solutions to “ghost camping” – booking valuable campsite space without any intention of actually using it.

One state is leading the way in its attempt to tackle the problem: Queensland’s Department of Environment, Science and Innovation (DESI) is now making it a criminal offense for those campers caught doing so.

“It is now a criminal offense to fail to attend a booked campsite or set up tents and leave them unattended for more than 24 hours without good reason, such as in an emergency,” a DESI spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia.

DESI introduced the change because of the ongoing problem of “depriving real campers of the opportunity to enjoy national parks in the state.” Since its introduction last month, rangers have been monitoring campsites and ensuring campers are complying with regulations.

“Queensland’s national parks are home to some of the world’s most famous and unique campsites, which all campers should be able to enjoy,” the spokesperson said.

After DESI changed its recreational area management regulations, campers in Queensland now face an on-site fine of $322.60 and a maximum fine of $3,226, as well as possible court action.

Pitches at campsites are often booked in this way to discourage tourists from coming to a particular area or to prevent overcrowded and busy campsites. Some just do it to keep others from getting the spot and then don’t show up themselves.

An Australian family traveling across the country told Yahoo News that ghost camping “impacted our entire trip” and was forced to book campsites months in advance simply to secure accommodation. Another avid camper described the growing ghost camping trend as “annoying.”

“This regulation means that people who book campsites and set up equipment to the exclusion of other campers now risk being fined and having their camping permit revoked,” the DESI spokesperson said.

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