The issue of ‘free camping’ in a number of popular spots in the village of Crescent Head over the holidays has once again reared its head and angered residents.
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The problem has become so bad over New Year’s there have been around 30 vans parked for days at a time in the foreshore car park, Willow St carpark, Rankine St and at Big Hill carpark.
Resident Gail Ryan said this holiday period is the worst she has seen it in recent years.
“This Christmas has been the worst I’ve seen it, thank God we didn’t have good surf and there was weed otherwise it would have been even worse,” she said.
Ms Ryan has lived in Crescent Head for three years but has been visiting the village during holidays since the 1970s.
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“It’s absolutely appalling as a resident. I called council to report the issue and I was told there were no rangers on duty over the holidays.
“They’re still here too, last night there were still five or six vans parked at the Golf Course overnight.”
In a statement released by Kempsey Shire Council, they said council shares residents’ frustrations about tourists setting up unauthorised camp sites at Crescent Head.
Council’s manager Development and Compliance, Graham Snow, said the rangers operated on a skeleton staff over the holiday break, patrolling the region from Grassy Head in the north to Maria River Road, south of Crescent Head.
“We work closely with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and local Police to monitor and enforce parking and beach use restrictions across the Macleay,” Mr Snow said.
“A council ranger logged patrols at Crescent Head daily from 22-31 December 2018, with the exception of Christmas Day, and issued cautions to motorists for unauthorised camping in the foreshore carpark, Willow Street, Skyline Crescent, Baker Drive and Belmore St.”
“Warnings were also given to motorists driving vehicles on the beach without a permit.”
Ms Ryan said the problems from ‘free campers’ persists with many of them using facilities other tourists and holidaymakers pay for.
“They leave their rubbish behind and I’ve even seen them taking their food into the campground to use the barbecues as well as using the shower facilities.”
“I’m not against having people coming to stay in Crescent Head, but if they’re going to abuse the facilities then we don’t want them,” Ms Ryan said.
Mr Snow said the incidence of illegal camping in the Crescent Head Foreshore Reserve carparks had reduced since council installed signage in March 2016 to address community concerns about parking issues and associated anti-social behaviour.
Sections of the carpark are time limited and a “No Stopping” zone applies for the entire foreshore carpark between 12am and 5am to deter holidaymakers from sleeping in their vehicles.
To report an issue, residents can contact council’s Customer Services Centre on 6566-3200.
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