Council, with assistance from Queensland Police, are continuing to work together to address illegal camping across the Noosa Shire, with a focus on protecting public spaces while responding to strong community feedback.
Noosa Council Director Regulation and Development Richard MacGillivray said the joint approach is not directed at people experiencing homelessness but at those who are deliberately doing the wrong thing and misusing public spaces.
"Our officers do come across people who are genuinely experiencing homelessness and living in their vehicles because they have no other option," Mr MacGillivray said.
"In those cases, our focus is not on enforcement, we work to connect those individuals with the appropriate support services."
"The action we're taking is aimed at people who are knowingly doing the wrong thing, particularly visitors treating public areas as free campgrounds and not respecting local rules or the sensitive environment."
Recent joint operations this month have resulted in 37 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) and one caution during targeted patrols of known hotspot locations.
The early morning patrols focused on areas where ongoing issues have been reported, including Tingira Crescent, Claude Batten Drive, The Spit, Beach Access 12, Dog Beach, National Park precincts, Lanyana Way and Beach Access 50 at Glen Eden.
Mr MacGillivray said the operation forms part of a measured and ongoing response to a long-standing issue in the community.
"Local residents are often the first to notice issues in their neighbourhoods and their information helps us direct our patrols where they're most needed," he said.
"This year alone we've received just under 300 complaints to date about illegal overnight camping in the shire. In 2025, we had received more than 400 complaints by this point in the year."
"We understand the level of frustration in the community, particularly when public spaces and the natural environment are negatively impacted"
Council continues to work with camping websites and social media platforms to improve awareness about where travellers can legally stay.
Through the recent 2026-27 budget council has also committed to trialling the use of mobile Licence Plate Recognition (LPR) camera technology to enforce and deter illegal camping in hotspots across the Shire.
"Noosa offers a range of purpose-built campgrounds with appropriate facilities, and these are the best options for visitors planning an overnight stay," Mr MacGillivray said.
"We want people to enjoy everything Noosa has to offer, but it needs to be done in a way that respects the community and our shared spaces."
