State and local government rangers will work together more closely next summer as authorities narrow their focus on an apparent surge in illegal camping.
An influx of people over summer also saw a rise in complaints about littering, public defecation and fire risk, and amid revelations WA’s Parks and Wildlife Service issued fines for less than 10 per cent of interactions with campers, the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River this week confirmed it was moving towards a more co-ordinated approach.
Shire chief executive Andrea Selvey said the challenge of “peak season” visitation was shared with Parks and Wildlife’s umbrella organisation, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
“DBCA faces similar peak-season challenges as the Shire — managing larger areas, multiple responsibilities and limited resources,” Ms Selvey said.
“To protect our region’s unique environment, we’re working more closely with DBCA, and plan to co-ordinate our response to peak season in future.
“We’re also engaging with the community to identify measures to address illegal camping and increased day use at popular sites.”
A DBCA spokesperson declined to comment on whether its rangers would increase their focus on infringements in the coming summer, but otherwise confirmed the intention outlined by the shire.
“The department continues to work closely with stakeholders like the shire to strike the right balance between welcoming visitors, keeping them safe, and protecting the region’s environmental and cultural values,” they said.
“Ahead of the 2025-26 peak visitation season, DBCA will continue to identify and implement compliance priorities and strategies, including focusing on illegal camping hotspots, co-ordinating efforts with local government, and disrupting large-scale illegal gatherings in collaboration with WA Police.”
A call for greater co-ordination with outside agencies has been among the feedback offered by residents who acknowledged it was not just down to shire rangers to police the increasing popularity of the region.
