Dairy farmer faces a huge $180,000 fine from council bosses over opening up his scenic backyard to holiday campers in bid to help his struggling family

  • A Queensland dairy farmer is facing a $180,000 fine following camp site breach
  • Shane Paulger has been welcoming campers on his stuggling Kensington farm 
  • Sunshine Coast Council says his estate doesn't comply with legislation in place
  • Council say he must adhere to rules but he believes they are 'money grabbing'

By Tom Flanagan For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

A Queensland dairy farmer struggling to keep his family farm afloat could face a $180,000 fine from the council for operating an unregistered business.

Shane Paulger has been welcoming holiday campers to stay on his lavish estate yet the Sunshine Coast Council have now stepped in and issued the substantial fine for his infringement against council legislation.

Mr Paulger revealed to A Current Affair that in his desperation to save his farm in a period of decline for the dairy industry, he had allowed holiday makers to pitch up on his Kenilworth estate to try and make ends meet.

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Shane Paulger has been welcoming campers to stay on his estate yet the council have now stepped in and issued the substantial fine for his infringement against their legislation

Shane Paulger has been welcoming campers to stay on his estate yet the council have now stepped in and issued the substantial fine for his infringement against their legislation

The farmer, whose estate has been owned by his family for 60 years, has reacted angrily labelling the Sunshine Coast Council as 'rotten' who are punishing him for using his initiative

The farmer, whose estate has been owned by his family for 60 years, has reacted angrily labelling the Sunshine Coast Council as 'rotten' who are punishing him for using his initiative

Yet his failure to adhere with the council's specific regulations for camping sites has led the council to push through a $183,000 fine if he continues to resist compliance.

The farmer, whose estate has been owned by his family for 60 years, has reacted angrily labelling the Sunshine Coast Council as 'rotten' and who are punishing him for using his initiative.

'They just want to smash us...unfortunately the council now want to jump on our necks and squeeze all the air out of us and fine us $180,000,' Mr Paulger said.

He revealed in an emotional plea that his sole intention is to maintain the family business, so he can one day pass the farm down to his children, who are proud to continue the family tradition. 

After 12 months of negotiating with the council as well as number of complaints from surrounding registered campsites, the council have now labelled their requests in black and white.

'What Shane is doing on his property up in Kenilworth is operating a business that doesn't have approval,' Deputy Mayor Tim Dwyer said.

'The sooner Shane realises that he's got the rules to follow like every other person in Queensland...the better for everybody.' 

However Mr Paulger has claimed his farm has been welcoming campers for over 30 years and believes the latest move from the council is a 'money grab' while reminding them he hasn't requested anything from them during his latest endeavor.  

Mr Paulger appeared emotional when discussing his current situation as he faces a potential fine of $180,000

Mr Paulger appeared emotional when discussing his current situation as he faces a potential fine of $180,000

Mr Paulger is adamant he has done nothing wrong and has been welcoming campers (pictured) for over 30 years to his estate

Mr Paulger is adamant he has done nothing wrong and has been welcoming campers (pictured) for over 30 years to his estate

 

 

 

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