SQUATTERS camping on a roadside reserve opposite The Caves carpark at Inverloch have trashed the site according to nearby residents and farmers.
Glenn Morris described the abandoned campsite as an absolute mess.
“It’s a shambles and an absolute pigsty,” said Mr Morris.
Neighbour Kate McDonald was amazed by the amount of rubbish they left behind.
“Litter blew up from the campsite and across the road and into the waterways,” said Ms McDonald.
Recalling when the squatters arrived in November, Ms McDonald said they created a disturbance by shouting and sounding like somebody was hurt.
“They needed help,” she said.
At the time they were camping in a tent and cars.
Despite numerous attempts at contacting Bass Coast Shire Council, VicRoads, Parks Victoria, local MP Jordan Crugnale and police, nothing was done according to Ms McDonald.
The squatters refused an offer of assistance to find alternate accommodation.
“That was the time to act, to move them on. We were told it was very difficult because they were homeless.
“No one would take responsibility.”
Ms McDonald has been shocked at how much they accumulated over six months.
“At first we thought they may have been holidaymakers, but the consequence now is that council will now have to bear the cost of the clean-up,” said Ms McDonald. “It’s borne by all of us, and it won’t be cheap.”
Two abandoned cars have been left at the site, an overturned motorcycle and at least two skips of household rubbish including discarded clothing left hanging in the trees.
“None of it is recyclable,” said Ms McDonald.
“Now they’ve set a precedent, they might return next summer.”
Ms McDonald said she could understand overnight campers.
“I do feel sorry for them, but these people showed a total disregard for the environment.
“No water or sanitation, a beautiful pristine environment trashed in six months.”
Local residents have described The Caves as a special place.
“It is where a lot of people have taken their children to play, in rock pools and enjoy nature,” said Ms McDonald.
“It is very popular.”
Ms McDonald’s family loved the area so much they bought land and built a home.
“The house was built to respect the environment,” said Ms McDonald.
Not easily frightened Ms McDonald found herself locking everything up when the squatters were there, concerned about what might be damaged or stolen by people coming onto the property.
Glenn Morris said he was not sure why the site had not been cleaned up.
“If the reason is lack of resources then I’m sure a group of volunteers keen to see the trees re-established can be mustered together,” said Mr Morris.
It is ultimately the responsibility of Parks Victoria and according to Mr Morris unless the entrance is blocked by a fence it will happen again.
“A lockable strong gate or fence might be better than placing rocks at the entrance.
“There is a difference between illegal camping and establishing a home for six months.
“Now they’re gone we want everything removed.
“Re-vegetate the area, it’s a shocking situation.”
Bass Coast Shire said it will support Parks Victoria to resolve the issues at the site.
Council facilitated referral to the relevant services to address health and wellbeing concerns at the site through partnerships with local service providers.