MOVING THEM ON……
Or there’s no such thing
as a free lunch
Jan Ross
The City of Newcastle
Free camping debate
rages along coast
 RV owners and local
business supportive
 Coffs Harbour “missing out”
on tourism $$ who refuse
to pay normal Park fees
 RV owners currently
parking wherever they
wish?
 Free camping still exists
alongside $10 p.n.option
and normal CP rates
Council bans Horseshoe beach
camping

Newcastle City Council moved quickly on Friday after the Herald revealed the extent of rubbish
and human excrement strewn through the small area of bushland at Camp Shortland near the
beach’s car park.

The area is a legal camping area for travellers staying in vehicles and has attracted hundreds of
tourists over the Christmas period.

A Newcastle City Council spokeswoman confirmed camping would no longer be allowed at the
popular backpacker destination.

"From today, overnight parking at Horseshoe beach will be prohibited as will camping overnight,"
she said.
Are they free campers,
or simply freeloaders?
 Mitch and his dog Pixie stay
free overnight around
Sunshine Coast beaches
 Left with little choice as the
Coast's caravan parks were too
expensive and most were not
dog-friendly.
 Problem is symptomatic of a
booming tourist destination not
providing enough facilities and
options for travellers.
 "What it has always identified to
me is that there's a need for
more camping and caravanning
options on the Coast,” Bill Darby
Chair Caloundra Tourism &
Events
Stay for $10 – Council divided on
Camping discount
 Mayor Denise Knight is against the introduction of subsidised camping for
RVs in the city
 Council split over supporting the discount however approved 12 month
trial of 10 sites for self contained RV campers at Park Beach Holiday
Park………
 ….. leaves open possibility for free camping nearby on the Jetty
Foreshores
Has Coffs Council nailed it?
 RV users are an extremely strong lobby group and have
an amazing social network (online and WOM)
 They support and promote RV friendly towns
 The small $10 fee allows for registration and research to
be collected – you know who they are!
 Also reduced mess – “most Grey Nomads are clean and
appreciative”. This system identifies them.
Why is Free Camping the enemy?
 Free camping has been a tradition in Australia and other
countries but only those who use it will defend it.
 Diverse nature of camping, backpacking, happy wanderers has
resulted in a booming industry for holiday parks, caravan and
camping manufacturers and retailers.
 “Glamping” has meant higher demand and price rises.
 The freeloader image upsets residents, other campers and
businesses (who say they don’t spend)
 But what alternatives are there – for s/c RVs, backpacker
campers, families and dog lovers?
Location, Location, Location!
 The main argument is over Real Estate - its all about the
views.
 RV discounts are already happening with great success over
the Great Divide (Wauchope etc) – but not on the Coast.
 Current situation in Coffs unsustainable – normal rates
alongside discount rates and legal free spots
 Need to consider more discount sites, including during peak
periods.
 Move free camping away from prime beachfront locations to
sites closer to highway for overnight stays only.
Opportunity knocks on RVs
 Special events and concerts –
FAB, Groove in the Moo etc.
 RV clubs – CMCA has over
66,000 registered members
 2 national rallies, 6 safaris,
457 chapter and special
interest group events
 ‘Leave No Trace’ scheme
 RVFD status
NO CAMPING AT CAMP SHORTLAND