Big change at Aussie camping sites official amid 'unacceptable' poo problem

Visitors at one the country's most pristine campsites have been warned there's a strict new protocol on the way for when nature calls, amid an "unacceptable" poo problem in the area.

From tomorrow, June 1, campers at Dorrigo South or Pelican Bay camping areas in Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area in Queensland, will be prohibited from "bush toileting" — the act of relieving oneself in nature — and instead will be required to bring a portable toilet.

According to Queensland National Parks, people defecating in the bush has "posed an unacceptable risk to the health and safety" of campers and visitors, and "threatens the area's natural environment".

Travellers warned of $464 fines: 'Rangers won't be fooled'

Local authorities on Friday warned tourists that they would be on the look out to make sure people had the requisite equipment.

"Add portable toilets to your 'must bring' list and help us keep these waterfront camping areas beautiful and healthy," it said in a statement. "Bag and open bucket style toilets are not going to fool our Rangers who will be on 'portaloo-patrol' making sure you have your loo and providing education on the benefits of using portable toilets."

Acceptable portable toilets must have a sealed waste holding tank, be transportable and suitable for emptying into a portable toilet waste disposable facility, the authority added.

Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, a spokesperson for Queensland National Parks said: "It is an offence to camp in this area without a portable toilet, with an on-the-spot penalty of $464 applying."

Affected areas include Dorrigo South and Pelican Bay, which are located just south of K'gari.

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Poo problems occur all over the country

Human waste is not good for the natural world and environmental authorities all over the country have in recent times tried to put a stop to bush toileting.

Earlier this year, Yahoo News Australia reported that the act was particularly prevalent in Tasmania, with a ranger revealing she's noticed an "unprecedented" amount of human poo in wilderness areas throughout the state.

Olivia Hickey said some bushwalkers and campers simply "don't know how to toilet" while outdoors in "very fragile alpine ecosystems". She and her colleagues find faeces near rivers, lakes, streams, and campsites and even next to toilets.

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