News
27 January, 2025
Tainted by camper trash
Somerset residents are increasingly frustrated by illegal campers leaving mountains of rubbish at Twin Bridges, in Fernvale, following an increased amount of waste over the past several years.
From ripped tents and camping chairs to blankets, eskies, and tables, locals have taken and shared numerous photos on social media, with the most recent on January 8.
Somerset and Wivenhoe Fish Stocking Association president, Gary Fitzgerald, said he had been collecting at least a bag full of rubbish at Twin Bridges every week, noting the problem is “ongoing” and naming the lack of rubbish bins as a possible cause.
“There are no more bins provided there and there used to be, so all the rubbish gets left behind, both from day-users and campervans, as well as illegal campers,” he said.
“I think it’s also a problem from lack of management and enforcement, and there needs to be more signs up. This brings harm to the local eco-system, especially given the current storm season, as a lot of the rubbish gets washed away into the river."
“The rubbish washes into the waterway and affects the entire ecosystem, from micro-plastics to fish trapped in plastic bags, and it’s just not healthy,” he said.
While on social media, many have pointed the finger at homeless people for the illegal camping and waste, Mr. Fitzgerald noted that he has met some of the residents, with their reason being they choose to live there.
“Some of the people Council moved on had houses they were renting out because they just wanted to live by the river and played on the homeless situation,” he said.
Mr. Fitzgerald said he had also noticed an increase in campers and day-users, following the closure of the Hills Crossing Reserve, only making the problem of rubbish worse.
Somerset Council Mayor, Jason Wendt, said Council was well aware of the issue of illegal campers and waste, calling the behaviour of some “unacceptable.”
Cr Wendt added that Council had been working closely with Queensland Police Service and the Department of Housing’s Critical Response Team since October to respond to community concerns about “unlawful and antisocial behaviour” at Twin Bridges.
“We’ve been working with them at Fernvale,” he said. “Council works hard to maintain our public reserves and spaces to make sure they are safe and welcoming to the community, and we are continuing to clean areas around Twin Bridges as campers are vacated."
“We have a responsibility to ensure public safety and to respond to the rights of the broader community to access and use public services, reserves, and places for their intended purpose.”
Cr Wendt added that Council has two 120-litre bins at Twin Bridges Reserves, one at each of the shelters, which was “adequate for general recreational waste.”
Cr Wendt also reminded the community that it was illegal to camp in or near Twin Bridges, outside of the Department of Transport and Main Roads’ 20-hour rest area, which was designed only for self-contained vehicles for a maximum of 20 hours.
Council has the power to issue Penalty Infringement Notices as a last resort.
“We encourage anyone experiencing homelessness to reach out to the Department of Housing Critical Response Team,” he said.
