FREE camping in the Kempsey Shire during peak holiday periods is causing angst within the Kempsey Shire Council, where the decision to allow or not to allow free camping will be debated at the council meeting today.
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The growing problem of free camping/parking was highlighted during the holiday season last December and January when illegally parked vehicles (campervans and RV’s) impeded on community activities and council operations at Crescent Head.
The council meeting agenda for today’s council meeting states that, “the rapid growth in recreational vehicles presents a growing challenge in seeking a balance between maximising tourist visitation with the need to maintain parks and reserves for the benefit of residents and tourists".
“Of particular challenge is the growing free camping sector by those seeking out informal options for utilising parks and reserves outside of licensed camping and caravan parks,” the council agenda states.
“Whilst some councils along the coast are reported as adopting a “zero tolerance” approach to the problem, Kempsey Shire Council has adopted the approach of moving campers on without infringement.”
It is not an offence to camp overnight in parks and reserves, unless there is signage specifically prohibiting all types of camping or parking between restricted hours.
The potential options for the council range from zero tolerance, keep the status quo, facilitate free camping or increase council patrols during peak times.
“Having regard to the requirements of the Local Government Award in respect to overtime, increased patrols during the Christmas-New Year and Easter peaks will require an additional allocation of approximately $12,000 per annum,” the council agenda states.
Council is currently participating in the Freedom Camping Project that reflects growing support from within local and state government to investigate solutions and to assist the group has set up a reference group to assist councils on how to manage free camping.
In today’s council meeting it has been recommended that councillors:
1. That awareness of free camping continues to be raised through targeted patrols during peak visitation periods and through increased provision of information through social and traditional forms of media.
2. That a further report be provided to council on a range of management options following receipt of recommendations from the North Coast Destination network – Freedom Camping Project Reference Group.
