A number of campsites at Yeeda Station, south of Derby in the Kimberley have had access restricted by the land owners.
The campsites are part of Yeeda Station, a running cattle station that processes up to 55,000 head of cattle per year. Up until recently, the landowners have graciously allowed campers uncontrolled access to a number of quiet, riverside spots.
But this freedom has been abused, with the landowners having to deal with rubbish, opened gates and cut fences. Typically, it’s that minority of 4WDers and campers that have no respect for the land that are causing these problems.
This is from the Yeeda Facebook page:
Yeeda Pastoral Company would like to confirm that Langes, Cuttings & Telegraph Pool are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. However any other areas you would like to access we ask that you could call into Willare Bridge Roadhouse or Broome office to give your details (Name, Phone number, Vehicle Registration) and how long you intend to stay. NO FEES will be charged.
Yeeda Station is a working cattle station and we are trying to get on top of the rubbish, cut fences, killers, equipment theft, vandalism, fires and open gates that we continuously deal with on our property.
Yeeda is private property and we would ask for it to be respected so that we can continue to allow access . We acknowledge that most people do the right thing but some don’t. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.
Those people who think it’s all fine to camp wherever they please, leave rubbish and trash the place before leaving are ruining it for everyone else. But how do you make the people accountable for their actions?
Instead of closing off those areas, which they are completely able to do, What Yeeda Station is doing is controlling and monitoring the access to these popular camping and fishing spots. You’ll have to report to them and make yourself known before going in, so you can’t hide behind anonymity.
It’s a shame that they are forced to do this, but we have lots of respect for Yeeda Station not simply closing off access completely, and punishing those who did no wrong at the same time.
What do you think? What is the best way to stop problem campers and 4WDers from ruining it for the rest of us?
