Fines, evictions don't deter freeloading campers

Campers sneaked into Australind Tourist Park during the Easter weekend to use barbecue and power facilities - an issue described as a weekly occurrence by park manager Tracy Cooper.

It coincided with Harvey Shire Council rangers issuing at least one infringement notice and another move-on notice to illegal campers along Leschenault Estuary at the weekend.

Ms Cooper said the Australind Tourist Park, located opposite the estuary, had a group of people who were not staying at the park using the facilities at the weekend.

"We had one group who snuck in here, used our barbecues and plugged their mobile phones in," she said.

"They were using our facilities for nothing, which costs us money, gas and electricity.

"It happens quite a lot - people park in our visitors parking and head off to use the showers before they find they need a key for them."

Caravan sites at the park are available for $28 a night and Ms Cooper said that despite a busy Easter weekend, caravan park staff helped everybody who was seeking accommodation.

"We were full but had overflow sites left and six sites where people could pitch a tent," she said.

"There was nobody that turned up here who was turned away.

"I have a mixed reaction - part of me feels sorry for these people if they can't afford $28 per night.

"Is it that or is it plain greed?"

Shire president Tania Jackson said the estuary was an attractive area for visitors and the council was keen to support tourism.

"Making sure people know where the designated camping areas are is something we will have to manage, though," Cr Jackson said.

"I think our rangers do a good job throughout the whole shire.

"In very busy periods such as Easter, I expect our rangers would be kept busy."