Tensions are high in Exmouth over illegal camping, as the backpackers who make up much of the town's transient workforce struggle to find affordable accommodation.
Backpacker Sam Lopez, who has been living out of his car in the popular West Australian holiday town, says while he understands local frustrations with illegal camping, many workers have no other choice.
Mr Lopez moved to Exmouth in early June and works as the head of maintenance at a local resort.
He said he tried to find housing but there were no affordable options.
"My search has kind of stopped because it's just depressing at this point trying to find something."
He said accommodation was "thin" and many backpackers experienced similar problems.
"I've got a lot of friends camped bush because they've got nowhere else to stay," he said.
Tourism is booming in Exmouth and the Shire has recently cracked down on illegal camping by hiring more rangers.
"While most visitors and campers are respectful, leaving no trace and even cleaning up after others, the number of wrong-doers has increased at hotspots like Town Beach," Shire President Matt Nikkula said.
"Council (has) no other choice than to put in tougher measures to target illegal campers,”
Tensions high between locals and backpackers
Mr Lopez said tensions were high in Exmouth between locals and backpackers because of the rise in illegal camping.
"It's a total conundrum and I see both sides," he said.
"We're all here to work and make money and a lot of the industries here, they need us.
"But at the same time I know of people who are disrespecting the town."
He said friends have had eggs thrown at them by frustrated locals.
"This is a pristine landscape and I know they want to protect that, but they also want money and they want tourism and they want new resorts.
"The egging and the screaming and the beeping, it's unnecessary in my eyes, we're all adults."
Mass exodus as weather warms up
Many local business owners had difficulty finding workers because of border closures.
Exmouth Chamber of Commerce President David Gillespie said the lack of workers would get worse as backpackers move south to escape the northern heat.
"People in town at the moment are still lucky to be able to sleep in a tent or a caravan or a car and be able to get through the night," he said.
"But as the heat will start to set in, it's going to make it very difficult for this town.
"It's going to put a lot of strain on the businesses here in Exmouth."
The WA Government said plans were underway for more worker accommodation in the town.
“We made a commitment during the election to fast track an expression of interest for local companies to build much-needed workers’ accommodation on state-owned land in Exmouth with a proposed location identified," Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said.
“The Shire of Exmouth is going through the formal consultation process for a change of the local town planning scheme that is necessary before the EOI to market can start.
"This closes next week and the Shire and State Government will work to process the change as quickly as possible."
