CAMPERS on North Stradbroke Island are packing up to leave as campgrounds across the state close down today.
A spokesperson for Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation said Minjerribah Camping and Mulgumpin Camping had closed all camping on North Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island on Wednesday to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
"The cancellation of all camping until further notice is the only responsible option available.
"(QYAC) has been liaising closely with the Queensland government to protect the island's large aged population and vulnerable indigenous population.
"Minjerribah Camping and Mulgumpin Camping staff together with Queensland Parks and Wildlife service rangers are working with current campers to assist them to leave their campsites within the next 24 hours."
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The upcoming Easter school holidays are usually one of the busiest periods for Stradbroke campgrounds.
It came as the state government announced the closure of all campgrounds in national parks, state forests and state managed recreation and protected areas across Queensland.
Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch said the decision was consistent with the expert medical advice, with closures coming into effect from tomorrow.
"As the Easter school break approaches, closure of the campgrounds will help protect the health and safety of campers, the wider community as well as Queensland Park and Wildlife Service rangers and staff," Ms Enoch said.
"The Premier has been very clear that Queenslanders should cancel their Easter break plans and stay close to home.
"The nature of the shared facilities in campgrounds, like toilets and showers, is a significant concern in the current circumstances.
"There are around 470 camping areas in Queensland's parks and forests and QPWS rangers will immediately be contacting members of the public who are currently at camp sites, and those who have booked a site.
"This includes camping areas at K'gari (Fraser Island), Inskip Point, Cooloola Coast, Moreton Bay Islands, and all other national parks and forests across the state where camping is permitted. National parks in Cape York are already closed to the public."
Day-use areas, tracks and trails will remain open at this stage and social distancing rules will still apply.
The closure of camping grounds does not include residential caravan parks.
Increased signage will be in place to keep the public informed of closures.
People who have camp sites booked will receive a full refund for unused camping permits.