Travellers camping in the Wooditjup National Park near Margaret River landed a total of 45 fines on Thursday morning as the Shire of Augusta Margaret River Parks and Wildlife Rangers, and WA Police cope with a spike in illegal camping.
Illegal camping in the region carries a $100 penalty, and illegal dumping $200.
The Shire issued the fines along with a warning to visitors travelling to the region intending to camp for free.
Firefighters wont know where you are if youre free camping in the bush, and Ive seen fires move so quickly they can create incredibly dangerous situations in a short period of time.
- Adam Jasper, AMR Shire Emergency Services Manager
Ranger Coordinator Narelle Graue said the region was renowned for its pristine natural environment, and the high volume of campers setting up in the bush with no toilets or rubbish disposal facilities was putting significant pressure on bushland areas.
"Whilst we welcome visitors to our region, there are no free camping spots in our Shire," Ms Graue said.
"The true cost of this type of camping is paid for by the environment and indirectly by residents whose rates go towards cleaning up the rubbish left behind, rehabilitating trampled bushland, and covering water bills from travellers relying on public showers and other facilities.
Our visitor numbers peak at this time of year, with little accommodation or campsites available last-minute."
Ms Graue said it was essential that people planning to live out of their vehicles make arrangements at official campsites or on private property prior to arriving in the region.
"If you are looking for seasonal work, there are a number of wineries allowing workers to park their vehicles and stay as part of their work entitlements," she said.
"We recommend contacting your employer or prospective employer to discuss accommodation options if you are unable to find somewhere to stay or lose your accommodation while employed in the region.
"Local residents who are willing to offer spare rooms or a space for travellers to park are encouraged to advertise on Margaret River Backpackers Facebook group or on Gumtree."
AMR Shire Emergency Services Manager Adam Jasper said illegal camping presented a major safety concern around bushfires.
"We've recently had two major bushfire incidents in our Shire, with official campsites evacuated in the nick of time, and several peoples belongings burned to the ground," Mr Jasper said.
"Firefighters won't know where you are if you're free camping in the bush, and I've seen fires move so quickly they can create incredibly dangerous situations in a short period of time.
"Our bushland is tinder-dry, with conditions as dry as we'd usually only expect at the end of summer," he said.
"Bush cooking on open stoves or lighting campfires in undesignated spots can unintendedly cause a bushfire.
"This creates a very real risk to the surrounding community where people live and work."
