Council vows crackdown on dodgy backpacker accommodation

A council on Queensland's Southern Downs region says it is taking a zero tolerance stance on unsafe backpacker accommodation.

Southern Downs Mayor Peter Blundell says recent inspections by the council and the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service in Stanthorpe and Warwick found examples of gross overcrowding.

In one case, there was bedding for eight people in a single car garage with only roller door access.

He says backpackers are important to the region and must be protected.

"We rely on them to assist us in harvesting our over $200 million horticultural and fruit industry," he said.

"It's come to our attention that some of the accommodation standards that the backpackers are being offered - and do indeed utilise - are significantly not what we'd like to see.

"Certainly not what is in keeping with housing these people that our so important to our community."

Councillor Blundell says most providers are doing the right thing, but a fine of up to $180,000 may be imposed for non-compliance with an infringement notice.

"We're utilising all of the methods we have at hand to be able to make sure that the accommodation is of appropriate and most particular safe standard," he said.

"Most of those do an excellent job, but there are some that are not up to standard.

"We'll certainly be ensuring that they do come up to standard providers of accommodation."

Source: ABC News, 25 March 2013