There are fears for the future of a tiny Queensland town after a council’s decision to temporarily close three iconic campsites to allow for environmental and cultural rehabilitation.
Camooweal, on the state’s northwest border with the Northern Territory, has long been a popular destination with caravanners and campers seeking an outback experience.
The campsites that have been closed for six months are those located on the picturesque billabongs Lake Francis and Lake Canellan, as well as the Georgina River.
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According to the Mount Isa City Council, the decision was made in consultation with Native Title holders “to protect cultural heritage” and allow time to determine how to “implement best practice for managing the camping areas”.
However the closure will occur over the dry season, which is the peak time for tourists.
“Council apologises for the inconvenience the temporary public access closure may cause and thanks people for their patience and understanding while this matter is assessed,” Mount Isa Mayor Danielle Slade said in a statement.
“Hopefully the temporary closure will have a positive effect on businesses in Camooweal, with campers and caravanners instead staying in the town’s caravan park.”
Deputy Mayor Phil Barwick described the areas as being “quite trampled on”.
“We’re been trying to work through that and while it’s going well, at the same time the area’s been quite trampled on, if you like, and we need to recognise that as well,” he told the ABC last month.
7NEWS.com.au understands residents are furious over a lack of consultation with the Camooweal community.
They also fear the economic loss from tourists staying away over the six months could lead to the town to “die”.
Potential tourists have also taken to social media express anger at the closures.
“That’s so sad for Camooweal. We’ve spent many a weekend out at the lake … like the many tourists travelling and camping and bringing money into the town,” one person said.
Another said: “I’m very disappointed that a beautiful natural camping spot is being closed to the majority of Australian travellers. We are camping here respectfully and supporting the town financially. Camooweal will lose thousands of tourist dollars with this closure. Many travellers will free camp elsewhere and spend their dollars there.”
The council has responded to questions by 7NEWS.com.au about the decision, including whether the closures will be reconsidered after the community anger.
Council response
“Council has been working with Camooweal residents leading to the decision to temporarily close the campsite, in consultation with Native Title Claimant holders and lessees regarding the management of the camping areas,” the council said.
“To enable council to meet its obligations for the management of the camping areas under the Land Act Queensland 1994, and in order to allow time for all parties to come to an agreement on how to implement best practice for managing the camping areas for visiting tourists/campers, and to address various public interest matters and cultural heritage, council resolved that the camping areas be temporarily closed for a period of six months.
“At this time, council will not be reconsidering its decision to temporarily close access to camping along the Georgina River or Lakes Francis and Canellan.
“Council continues to work with all stakeholders towards a lasting solution to the sustainable utilisation of these campsites.”
Native Title declaration
The Federal Court granted the Indjalandji-Dhidhanu people Native Title over Lake Francis, Lake Canellan and part of the Georgina River in 2012 after then Justice John Dowsett considered evidence that they were among a number of “Dreaming sites”.
“I have come to recognise, on behalf of all Australians, that they are the traditional owners of this land pursuant to traditional laws and customs which have their roots in ancient times,” Dowsett said in granting the Indjalandji-Dhidhanu Native Title over 19,391.64km2 of land.
“I now recognise that traditional ownership.”