ELECTRICITY at the power box at the informal car park near the Airlie Beach foreshore has been disconnected, with the infrastructure set to be removed completely by Ergon.

The decision comes on the back of complaints about the illegal use of the box by backpackers and campers.

Whitsunday Regional Councillor Jan Clifford announced the decision on her Facebook page saying "it's a shame that it has become necessary to take this action".

Feedback on Facebook ranged from people agreeing that cutting the power was necessary by saying, "they just want everything free," and it was "freeloaders taking advantage," to people saying it was a bad move for tourism as "we should be welcoming backpackers and assisting them," and "it's worth it for what they bring to the town."

Cr Clifford however fully backed the decision.

"It's got out of control. Nobody uses it apart from illegal campers," she said.

"Its supposed to be used for things like markets, or an event that needs some power for lights."

Cr Clifford said leaving the box on was only costing ratepayers money.

"We have to look after the people that actually put money into the town and do stuff. Our ratepayers are extremely important and have to be protected as much as they can," she said.

The cutting off of the power also raised questions on the availablitiy of free and low-cost camping options in town but that is something Cr Clifford does not think is a problem.

"There are six caravan parks in the 4802 postcode as well as cheap options at Magnums and X Base hostels," she said. "Caravan parks are paying thousands and thousands in rates and charges, so why would I want to enable free camping to their detriment? It's not fair."