Volunteers are being given the opportunity to work as campground hosts in Queensland national parks.
National Parks Minister Steve Dickson is expanding the popular campground host volunteer initiative following the success of a Daintree National Park pilot program.
Mr Dickson said his department was looking for campground hosts to live and work in national parks across north Queensland after receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from volunteers, visitors and rangers at Noah Beach.
“The Newman Government is building upon our commitment to increase partnerships with park volunteers, as we continue to deliver on our promise to open up national park land for all Queenslanders and visitors to enjoy,” Mr Dickson said. “In line with that, we will be seeking suitable people to become campground hosts at a number of locations across north Queensland next year, camping for free in idyllic natural spaces while helping our rangers with everyday maintenance tasks that will free them up for other work.
“We are looking for volunteers who like the outdoors, enjoy meeting people from around the globe, and are interested in the local environment. “They’ll be responsible for keeping the campground looking great and general maintenance of the immediate facilities and day-use area.”
Mr Dickson said rangers were investigating locations including Elliot Falls at Heathland Resources Reserve, Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park, Fraser Island and Lake Tinaroo at Danbulla State Forest and National Park as sites for the caretaker program.
“This initiative is enhancing volunteering and ‘voluntourism’ in national parks across the state,” he said.
Retired couple Barry and Maureen Drews recently completed their time as Noah Beach campground hosts and said they had thoroughly enjoyed their three week stint in the Daintree.
“We had been travelling around Australia and thought the campground host program would be a good opportunity to stay in one place for a few weeks,” Ms Drews said.
“The location was just wonderful and there was so much to do and see including informative rainforest treks, fishing at Noah’s Creek and relaxing walks along the beach. “We were also able to pass on the local knowledge we learned from rangers to park visitors.”
More information about campground hosting is available by calling (07) 4222 5348 or emailing pip.schroor@nprsr.qld.gov.au.
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