Real Estate
A huge neighbour war is brewing in one local Australian council after a petition was launched to punish caravan owners.
Sunshine Coast Council is seeking advice from the Queensland Government after residents lashed out at caravan owners who park their rigs in residential areas.
The petition, currently signed by more than 1000 disgruntled residents, is calling on the council to properly regulate what they term “long-term and unsafe on-street parking of caravans, campervans and motorhomes”.
“The increasing number of caravans and large recreational vehicles being left on public streets for extended periods — sometimes for weeks or months — significantly reduces the availability of essential on-street parking for residents and their visitors,” the petition reads.
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The petition is calling for better regulation of caravans.
“These large vehicles frequently obstruct sightlines for drivers at intersections, junctions, and private driveways, creating a serious safety risk for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
“When parked on narrow streets, they can impede the access of emergency service vehicles such as ambulances and fire trucks.”
While the council has asked the government for guidance, the government has handballed the issue back to Sunshine Coast Council.
“Queensland law authorises local governments to regulate parking in their area, including enforcing parking on state-controlled roads,” a government spokesman told Sunshine Coast News.
“This ensures parking is tailored for local community needs. Local governments can regulate parking by installing official signs or making local laws.
“Parking is only regulated at a state level in circumstances where consistent rules are required across the state.”
Neighbours complained about this caravan parked on the nature strip along the residential road in Ocean Reef, Perth. Source: Facebook/Eddy Luquero
Sunshine Coast Council is continuing to consider resolutions to the caravan issue, however, it is a war that has the potential to erupt across Australia.
More and more Baby Boomers are taking up a caravan lifestyle as they opt to leave their home behind and travel the country.
Termed ‘grey nomads’ this demographic of retired Australians is continuing to grow, meaning more and more caravans are being brought into residential areas across the country.
Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics and Tourism Research Australia indicate there are more than 9.5 million Australians over the age of 50 and many of that cohort are taking up caravan and motor home lifestyles.
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