Macleay Island residents say camping ground could be an "environmental nuisance"

It comes after council announced it would consider setting up a free or low-cost basic camping ground on the foreshore.

Joe Loyzaga and Gayle Dean have vehemently opposed the idea, saying it would chase the birdlife, and was an environmental nuisance.

"This is the only one of three beaches that has not been over developed with parks and residences.

"It allows locals to enjoy and observe the natural habitat and process of nature... preschoolers and bush school students also enjoy the space," Ms Dean said.

Mr Loyzaga said the shorebirds roost at the foreline after feeding in the mudflats.

"The rare godwit and potentially a rare semipalmated plover have a place to feed and some sort of sanctuary.

"I fear having people at the campsite will disturb the birds and they won't return," he said.

In August, councillors supported Cr Mark Edwards call for options for a 12-month trial of the camping ground.

Officers have been asked to research and prepare an options report by next month.

Cr Edwards said the goal was to boost tourism to the Southern Moreton Bay Islands by providing a small-scale camping experience for kayakers, cyclists and boaters.

It is anticipated the camp ground would be a maximum two-night stay with only tent sites available and no power, similar to the campgrounds at Lions Boulevard Park at Russell Island.

Ms Dean said the beach was in front of her property and believed the campers would be 50 metres from her front door.

"I have been clearing the rubbish from visitors to the park for the last year... There are no bins and most of the rubbish is from those that go there at night," she said.

Ms Dean objected to the use of portable toilets at the camping grounds as the area was flood-prone due to high tides and storms.

"A freshwater creek that runs down the north side of the reserve has suffered massive erosion to the south side of its banks in the last year.

"With heavy rain half of the reserve is usually under water for several days," she said.

Mayor Karen Williams said it was still early days and the trial had not started yet.

Officers will bring a report to council at the next meeting on December 15.