We, the undersigned residents, ratepayers, and concerned citizens of the Sunshine Coast, hereby petition the Sunshine Coast Council to take immediate and decisive action to regulate the long-term, unsafe, and unattended parking of caravans, campervans, motorhomes, and other large recreational vehicles (including boats and trailers) on public streets and Council-controlled land.

WHEREAS:

Loss of Public Amenity and Parking: 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. This is particularly problematic in residential areas and near public amenities like parks and beaches.

Public Safety Hazards: 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.

Obstruction of Public Pathways: Many of these vehicles are parked in a manner that partially or wholly obstructs footpaths and nature strips. This forces pedestrians, including children, the elderly, parents with prams, and citizens with mobility impairments, to walk on the road, exposing them to traffic dangers.

Neighbourhood Character and Environmental Concerns: The long-term storage of caravans on our streets detracts from the visual amenity and character of our neighbourhoods. Furthermore, there are concerns regarding the potential for illegal dumping of greywater or other waste from vehicles being used for unofficial camping.

Inadequate Current Regulations: The current local laws and their enforcement appear insufficient to address the scale of this growing issue, allowing the problem to persist and worsen across the Sunshine Coast region.
THEREFORE, WE, THE PETITIONERS, RESPECTFULLY REQUEST THAT THE SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL:

Review and Amend Local Laws: Conduct a comprehensive review of existing local laws (including, but not limited to, Local Law No. 5 (Parking) 2011) to introduce specific and enforceable regulations addressing the long-term on-street parking of recreational vehicles.

Establish Clear Time Limits: Introduce a reasonable and clearly defined time limit (e.g., 48 or 72 hours) that a caravan, campervan, or motorhome may remain parked in a single location on a public road before it must be moved.
Strengthen Enforcement: Commit to a proactive and consistent enforcement strategy for these new and existing regulations to ensure that our streets remain safe, accessible, and available for their intended public use.
Prohibit Unsafe Parking: Enforce a zero-tolerance policy for any vehicle parked in a way that obstructs a footpath, impedes traffic flow, or creates a public safety hazard.

Your timely attention to this matter is crucial for preserving the safety, accessibility, and amenity of our beautiful Sunshine Coast communities for all residents.