The popular grey nomad destination of Mount Gambier is looking into the possibility of establishing free camping areas.
Grant District Council is considering developing a framework and bylaws to set up free overflow camping sites
However, the issue has raised ‘some passion’ in the community with some supporting the move and others worried about the impact on caravan park operators.
The Border Watch newspaper reports that Mount Gambier caravan park operators are already concerned about low-cost camping at the city’s showgrounds, which they argue is stripping away their business and threatening jobs.
The council however is eager to attract more tourists to the area.
“It is acknowledged that there is room in the industry for both forms of camping – free and within caravan parks,” said council chief executive officer, Trevor Smart
Cr Shirley Little has welcomed the initiative, but is also keen to ensure that free campers don’t leave rubbish behind..
“Quite a few people use the site at Tarpeena, I think it has benefited our community,” Cr Little told the Border Watch. “They have supported local businesses because they have a wander up the bike track and have a meal at the pub.”
However, peak caravan park representative body SA Parks has called on all councils to consider the effects on caravan parks operating in close proximity to free sites.
Association President Richard Davis believes councils are misinformed to believe that offering low cost camping spots is the only way to encourage caravan and camping enthusiasts into their area. He said research showed persons staying in commercial caravan parks spent more per visit than those who camped for free.
“SA Parks and the caravan park industry fully support the idea of bush or freedom camping and also the provision of roadside stops for safety reasons,” he said. “However, we do have an issue with the provision of non-compliant camping areas in close proximity to existing caravan parks.”
SA Parks has called on council not to establish free sites less than 20 kilometres from a commercial facility and focus on areas off the beaten track.
A recent move by the nearby Wattle Range Council to develop free camping areas also triggered a strong backlash from caravan operators in that district.
* Do you support the Mount Gambier free camping proposal? Do you think the idea of free camping should have to be at least 20km from commercial van parks? Comment below.
We only use free or very low cost camps. We never stay at caravan parks. There are now thousands like us. We move on till we find free or low cost elsewhere. Parks at $25 to $45 a night are crazy. With the cost of fuel and all other costs. Naturally, owners of parks will fight it. But the truth is we will not go there anyway. Suddenly camp owners will see hundreds of free campers and get angry and tell council that they could have had them in their park. this is absolute rubish, we will never stay there anyway. If you are a smart council you will find the huge benifit to the town. I am sure you will ask councils where this is done. As for rubbish, the rule is leave no trace camping. Come on Mt Gambier, you will win. AS for 20 kms away, this is stupid. I will not be coming to shop fron 20 ks out. get real. This is only talk from the other side. just like polotics. Kind regards from Bob & Talli Berndt of Loxton North S.A.