A DARK cloud is hovering over the Sunshine State's showgrounds after a State Government clampdown on caravanners and other travellers overnighting there.

The Queensland Government has told showground operators they must have management plans in place before it will sanction camping.

And the move sparked a rally attended by more than 50 people in Barcaldine where grey nomads and motorhomers have been barred from overnighting at the town's showground, which had previously welcomed travellers for several years.

Now the local council is preparing a management plan which it hopes will be acceptable.

Meanwhile, caravanners may soon be able to sleep peacefully at the Macksville Showgrounds in New South Wales.

Nambucca Shire Council is asking the showgrounds’ management committee for its views on putting in a dump point and allowing self-contained recreational vehicles to overnight there.

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