A LOCAL resident has called for urgent action to clean up rubbish and control illegal camping at Woodman’s Point, saying the area’s “last bit of untouched coastal recreation beach” is being neglected.
“Why don’t you do a story on Woodman’s Point — the rubbish and illegal campers — it is getting worse,” long-time visitor Clayton Sullivan wrote to the Herald last week.
Mr Sullivan said he has reported the problem to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions but “nothing has been done.”
“Unfortunately due to residential and industrial development, Woodman’s Point at the rocks groin area is the last bit of untouched coastal recreation beach but it is not being managed by the government body,” he said.
“The rubbish, tyres, wooden pallets, drums of oil and other miscellaneous rubbish are in many places like the car parks and near the rocks at end of Woodman’s Point. It’s a pity this is happening and not cleaned up as it is the last pristine coast line left.”
Mr Sullivan said he has “regularly ridden [his] cycle there for last 40 years” and in recent years has noticed “more illegal campers and hence more rubbish; where do they do their business on the beach — it’s terrible.”
“I have noticed that ‘No camping’ signs have been put up and some deliberately ripped down,” he said.
“If this is not controlled it will be worse next summer as word of mouth spreads — I have seen it at South Beach carpark, it is big problem.”
In response, a DBCA spokesperson said the Parks and Wildlife Service “undertakes various actions at Woodman Point Regional Park under the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984 (CALM Act) to manage unauthorised activities such as illegal camping and littering.
“This includes regular ranger patrols, public education programs, signage and working closely with stakeholders such as homelessness support agencies and outreach teams. These activities will continue to be undertaken throughout summer.
“The department’s compliance approach includes providing information and cautions, and where warranted, issuing infringements under the CALM Act and associated Regulations.
“At Woodman Point, Parks and Wildlife Service staff carry out weekly rubbish pickups in visitor areas.
“Rubbish bins are provided at high-use recreation sites with more developed facilities, and all visitors are encouraged to take their rubbish with them and dispose of it responsibly.”
by STEVE GRANT