Flickr: Graham Cook/grazza123

Inskip Point campsites reopened

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) has at last reopened campsites affected by a “sinkhole” that formed at Inskip Point in late September, but there have been a few changes.

After considering an engineer’s report, QPWS has chosen to establish a “no camping” buffer zone and no-drive zone along sections of beach deemed to be in high-risk areas.

Inskip’s M.V. Beagle and the eastern section of the M.V. Sarawak camping areas have been closed since the incident, which swallowed a vehicle, van and camper trailer.

National Parks Minister Dr Steven Miles welcomed the news, saying he was glad the campsites would be open in time for the peak Christmas season.

“Rainbow Beach is well known to Queenslanders as the gateway to some of the most amazing natural attractions to be found anywhere in the world.

“I can assure visitors and local businesses that there will be plenty of capacity at Inskip right across summer, and also plenty of space for campers at nearby Teewah Beach and Fraser Island,” Dr Miles said.

QPWS commissioned geotechnical engineers EDG Consulting to investigate the risk of future incidents at the site, and provide a report to guide management of the area.

QPWS has establish the ‘no camping’ buffer zone in susceptible areas, and also closed high-risk beach areas to vehicle traffic. People can still walk along those sections of beach.

Dr Miles says keeping the sites free of vehicle traffic will help improve visitor safety.

“We’ve kept ‘lost’ campsites to a minimum and reopened the two campgrounds, while keeping safety as the priority,” Dr Miles said.

“The buffer zone will have minimal impact on the number of campers who prefer to come to Inskip, and we’re looking forward to another great summer camping season.”

For more info visit npsr.qld.gov.au or call 13 QGOV (13 74 68).

Image: Flickr: Graham Cook/grazza123 

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