News

Nov 02, 2024

'Marvellous' device spotted in Aussie tourist town amid surge in caravan and camping travel

The increasing popularity of a holiday hotspot in northern Australia has prompted an interesting move by the local council with tourists, including caravaners and campers, flocking to the area

The increasing popularity of a holiday hotspot in northern Australia has prompted an interesting move by the local council with tourists, including caravaners and campers, flocking to the area believed to be guilty of a dodgy act that is frustrating residents.

There have been multiple reports of travellers visiting Queensland's Cape York Peninsular using locals' residential hoses and faucets to get clean water without authorisation, Yahoo News Australia has been told. As a result, the council has introduced water dispensing units to use instead — at a cost.

So far, there have been two installed across the area — one in Cooktown and the other in nearby Coen — with one recently spotted by a passerby who shared the discovery online.

Yahoo understands the potable water dispensing units are intended for both tourists and local residents or businesses who are not on a town water supply. The aim is to provide a designated source of water to those who need it while reducing the number of complaints from locals about outsiders using their hoses without permission.

While the device, which accepts credit cards, was largely met with excitement, some online actually criticised the council for "making money off the travellers".

"Every place at the Cape I have filled up with water is free. Everything in Coen is expensive, it's called the Coen Tax," one person claimed.

While not yet active, users will be charged $4.40 per 1,000 litres in Cooktown and $8.80 per 1,000 litres in Coen. They allow for one-time purchases via credit card for visitors and travellers, while local residents and businesses have the option to set up an account with the council for ongoing access. It's intended to be a more convenient solution for all users.

Many thought it was a "marvellous idea". "Sounds pretty fair, saves a lot of remote locations trying to keep up with water supply," one Aussie remarked.

"All you whingers, take into account the treatment, pumping and plumbing that the locals pay just so tourists can fill in their town. If you cannot afford the small cost please go out to the creek and fill," another said.

A third said travellers should "be thankful to get it"."It's few dollars for a tank of water in the caravan, then you save by free camping," they argued.

😳 Warning over 'seriously dangerous' discovery at popular Aussie campsite

🤮 Dirty secret lurking in water near popular Aussie beach

😥 Aussie caravan 'boom' called out after shameful find at outback camping sites

It's understood the area has seen a steady increase in tourists since the Covid-19 pandemic. The caravan and camping trend has also boomed in recent years leaving more travellers in need of safe and clean water while on the road.

The dispenser has two fittings available — an 80mm camlock fitting for bulk water supply for larger trucks, and a 25mm standard garden hose fitting for other purposes.

The system is ideally suited for those people requiring mid-to-large volumes of water, so for caravans or campers filling water tanks or several jerry cans. As well as contractors, businesses or anyone not on local water supply wanting to fill 1000L water pods or trucks.

According to travellers, similar systems have been spotted in various spots around Australia, including Queensland's Rainbow Beach, Gympie and Maryborough areas.

"I think they're a great idea. They should be all over the country," one argued. And scores of other Aussies agreed.

Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week’s best stories.