Published on Tuesday, 7 September 2021 at 12:00:00 AM
At the end of July, Council announced two additional rangers would be recruited as soon as possible.
Despite facing the same issues trying to retain and attract staff while facing a housing crisis, three full-time rangers started yesterday, showcasing the current organizational focus on Ranger Services.
Susan and Lauren bring great experience as previous Rangers in Broome and Gingin, while Cindy brings local knowledge and expertise to the team and will be upskilled by Council.
The role of our Ranger Services is to assist and educate visitors and community members in appropriate behaviours regarding a diverse range of issues - not just illegal camping. Responsible dog and cat ownership and education on litter, parking, fire management, and abandoned vehicles are part of their responsibility within the Shire of Exmouth.
To help solve the illegal camping issue the community is facing, the team will be implementing early morning targeted patrols, where anyone caught camping in an unregulated area could be issued with a minimum of $100 on the spot fine. This will be accompanied by an afternoon educational approach.
With record infringement numbers in June/July and increased staff numbers Council is further investigating other multi-faceted approaches, together with other lead agencies such as DBCA, WAPOL, AFP and other seasonally affected Local Governments. A permanent seven-day roster and a designated Duty Ranger Phone for after-hours reporting will be initial steps.
Council wants to take the opportunity to thank the community for their patience and ongoing support in solving this issue and will update on viable solutions as they get confirmed.
COMMENTS ATTRIBUTED TO THE SHIRE – SHIRE PRESIDENT MATT NIIKKULA
"While we are very mindful of the environmental impacts and health & safety issues these illegal camping activities create, we have to also bear in mind that Exmouth benefitted immensely from the increased visitation over the last 18 months; compared to the current situation in the Eastern States - our small community is on the travel list for many, and this Council is committed to maintaining its pristine beauty for generations of residents and visitors to come.”
“While most visitors and campers are respectful, leaving no trace and even cleaning up after others, the number of 'wrong-doers increased as we are currently witnessing on hotspots like Town Beach - leaving Council no other choice than to put in tougher measures to target illegal campers.”
f.l.r. Susan Koefler, Lauren Quilgley, Cindy Small, Colin Walker
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Media contact:
Sandra Flint, Coordinator Communications & Marketing, Shire of Exmouth
M: 0459 431 439 | E: sflint@exmouth.wa.gov.au
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