A STATE government crackdown on camp grounds has started to ensure closures are in place after it was discovered the sites are prime places for the transmission of COVID-19.
Although reserves are closed - ranging from the Moreton Bay Islands to the Scenic Rim and north to Cape York - Seqwater rangers and staff have been stunned by the number of people still trying to access gated and locked areas.
Minjerribah Camping and Mulgumpin Camping closed all camping on North Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island last week to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham urged council and private camping ground operators to restrict recreational camping on state land.
This included all land and water-based recreation such as boating, trail walking and fishing.
Sunwater and Seqwater recreation areas, lakes and weirs were closed to public from yesterday.
Day trips, land and water-based activities and the use of facilities such as toilets, play equipment and BBQ areas were also banned.
"The Queensland government has closed all campgrounds in national parks, state forests and state-managed recreation and protected areas in response to the COVID-19 outbreak," Dr Lynham said.
Dr Lynham said the expert medical advice the government is receiving is that camping is a significant concern in the current environment and should not continue.
"It's critical that these activities cease, particularly with the Easter school break approaching, he said.
The restrictions will apply to short term recreational camping, including holiday makers, travellers and grey nomads.
Dr Lynham assured long term and permanent tenants residing in caravan parks that they were not affected.
"Queensland police now have the option to issue on the spot fines for breaches of chief health officer's directions to support community efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19," he said.