Help Us Keep Cameron’s Pocket Clean, Safe & Open to All!

Proper Good Vibes are committed to being true custodians of the environment and ensuring the longevity of our natural spaces for the benefit of all. In recent years, Cameron’s Pocket, a beloved natural swimming hole, has experienced increased pressure from high visitor traffic. Unfortunately, this influx has led to significant issues with littering, pollution, vandalism and unregulated traffic, which threatens the delicate ecosystem and local wildlife. To address these concerns and safeguard this precious site, we are asking for the public’s support in raising $444,000 to implement crucial upgrades that will preserve the area while allowing for safe and respectful enjoyment of its beauty.

Our plan includes the installation of public toilet facilities, waste removal, constant monitoring of human impact to the surrounds, the construction of a car park at the entrance to our property, plus the creation of a walking track leading down to the reserve adjacent to the natural swimming hole (Parks and Wildlife/National Park). Along this path, we will feature an educational bush tucker trail, where visitors can learn about native plant foods, crafts and medicines and their uses in todays society through plaques describing their traditional significance along with guided tours. Each of these enhancements has been designed to address specific environmental and cultural needs, and we look forward to creating a space that benefits the community and respects the environment.

The planned public toilet facilities is crucial to maintaining hygiene standards in an area that lacks waste management infrastructure. With the current high visitor numbers at times more than over 100 people per day it’s essential to have proper sanitation to reduce pollution and contamination of the site, which impacts water quality for both wildlife and local communities. Restroom facilities and waste management will help protect the area from waste buildup and pollution of the waterways and ensure the swimming hole and surrounding ecosystem remain pristine for future generations.

A designated car park at the property entrance is also an essential part of this project, addressing several pressing issues. The current council-controlled gazetted dirt track, which runs through our certified organic food forest, is unmaintained and riddled with large potholes and exposed rocks, creating hazards for visitors and risks of vehicle damage. The road also generates significant dust, which is harmful to air quality, disrupts our organic crops, and poses a biosecurity threat to our certified organic food forest. The dust also impacts the native animals and surrounding community members. Additionally, endemic wildlife such as wallabies, goannas and snakes are abundant in the area and frequently cross the road, putting them at risk from passing vehicles. By constructing a car park at the entrance, we can limit vehicle traffic on the dirt track, protect our organic food forest from dust and contamination, and reduce the eminent risk to native animals that call this land home.

The walking track, which will connect the car park to the swimming hole, is designed to allow visitors safe and easy access to the site. This path will help prevent erosion and protect the endemic native plants and wildlife along the way, ensuring minimal disturbance to the environment. To enrich visitors' experience, we’re excited to create an educational bush tucker trail along the track, featuring plaques that introduce native plants and their traditional uses in food, craft and medicine. This trail will serve as an educational resource, allowing visitors to connect more deeply with the land and learn about Indigenous bush tucker knowledge that has been passed down for generations.

Cameron’s Pocket is not only a scenic location but a vital habitat for diverse native wildlife, including freshwater turtles, goannas, eel-tailed catfish, snakes and many species of birds and mammals. These upgrades will help us reduce the impact of human activity on this sensitive ecosystem, keeping the water clean, protecting wildlife, and preserving this natural site’s unique beauty and cultural significance.

Our efforts are focused on restoring respectful, safe public access to Cameron’s Pocket swimming hole by working closely with local authorities. We’re attempting to collaborate with the Mackay Regional Council, Parks and Wildlife, and the Department of Natural Resources to achieve these goals, ensuring that the site remains a safe, welcoming space for all. Until we secure permission and funding to install these facilities, we respectfully ask the public to avoid traveling to the site to prevent further strain on this delicate environment.

We believe these improvements are essential for protecting both the site and its visitors. By supporting this project, you’re not only helping preserve an irreplaceable natural space and natural resource but also investing in a sustainable, educational, safe and sacred experience for everyone who visits Cameron’s Pocket swimming hole. We thank you for joining us in this mission to honour, protect, and sustainably share this sacred site for today’s community and generations to come.

100% of the funds raised from this fundraiser will go towards the implementation of the public toilet facilities, waste removal, walking track and carpark.

Proposed Budget Allocation for Cameron’s Pocket Improvements

1. Public Toilet Facility - $120,000

Materials and Construction: $90,000

Plumbing and Waste Management System: $15,000

Permits and Inspections: $10,000

Signage and Accessibility Features: $5,000

This allocation covers the construction of a high-quality, eco-friendly public restroom to support hygiene and environmental health, with costs for septic or composting systems, necessary permits, and signage.

2. Car Park Construction - $100,000

Land Preparation and Gravel Surfacing: $50,000

Drainage and Dust Mitigation Systems: $20,000

Fencing and Wildlife Safety Measures: $15,000

Signage and Marking: $15,000

A car park will reduce traffic on unpaved areas, protecting soil and native plant life, with wildlife-friendly fencing and drainage to prevent runoff and dust contamination.

3. Walking Track with Fencing - $120,000

Pathway Construction and Surfacing: $45,000

Fencing Along 1.2 km Trail: $45,000

Erosion Control and Native Plant Protection: $15,000

Trail Signage and Safety Features: $10,000

Contingency for Trail Maintenance Equipment: $5,000

The 1.2 km walking track will be enhanced with fencing to protect both visitors and the ecosystem, with the total cost covering trail surfacing, erosion control, and environmental protections.

4. Educational Bush Tucker Trail - $50,000

Interpretive Signage and Plant Descriptions: $20,000

Installation of Trail Plaques and Markers: $15,000

Seating Areas and Pathway Enhancements: $10,000

Community Engagement and Educational Materials: $5,000

The bush tucker trail will highlight native plants and their traditional uses, enhancing visitor experience with informative plaques, markers, and rest areas.

5. Project Management and Contingency - $54,000

Project Management: $25,000

Council and Environmental Permits: $10,000

Contingency Fund for Unanticipated Costs: $19,000

You can further support our cause; the continued maintenance, and protection of our environment and waterways by minting an edition of this article on the blockchain!