The recently announced plan to introduce a $10 fee to camp at ‘free’ camping spots at Allora and Dalveen on Queensland’s Southern Downs has come under early attack, with one councillor already trying to scrap it … before the first honesty box has been installed!
Following an outpouring of anger from grey nomads and other budget-minded travellers, Cr Jamie Mackenzie has given Southern Downs Regional Council notice of motion to overturn the decision, and it is likely that the motion will be voted upon at the December general meeting. The Warwick Daily News is reporting that the about-face proposal is being supported by Cr Vic Pennisi and Deputy Mayor Cr Ross Bartley.
It was only last week that councillors narrowly approved the installation of honesty boxes at Allora’s Dalrymple Creek Park and parkland at Dalveen where campers would be required to pay $10. Both spots are well used by grey nomads who have long been able to stop for free for a maximum of 24 hours. The casting vote favouring the plan was cast by Mayor, Peter Blundell.
Local shops quickly expressed their fear that the fees would deter campers and severely damage their businesses, with some councillors also argued that a $10 fee was ‘excessive’ for sites without showers or power. It appears that the council may have been surprised by the strength of the reaction to its decision, and Cr Mackenzie – who has always been opposed to the camping fee plan – sensed an opportunity. He describes the idea of having honesty boxes at council-run camping grounds as ‘financially irresponsible’.
“This move will increase the risk of vandalism in small communities and heightens an administration for staff handling cash out of the office,” he told the Warwick Daily News. “We have not been told the set-up costs nor the ongoing costs of honesty boxes, for what will only be a donation.”
Cr Mackenzie has a grander vision for boosting the communities of the region.
“We need a friendlier image to positively encourage the grey nomads and backpackers – this is a small but continuous contribution to a more diversified economy,” he said. “In my view, we need to establish lots of roadside camping spots across the Southern Downs, especially in small centres away from commercial caravan parks.”
Damage has been done now to Warwick’s reputation no matter which way the council goes. They have shown their rotten attitude and non appreciation of Nomad Tourists spending their money in their town. Thank you for this wonderful website that keeps us informed and we will only spend our superannuation money only where we are appreciated and made welcome.
Colin it is a shame that your attitude to such poor judgement by our councilors (who unfortunately no longer accurately represent the people’s opinion) will ultimately only harm those who are already struggling in our rural towns. The council themselves will continue to draw money from their constituents regardless, it is once again those who can least afford to loose income who will be penalized if your attitude prevails and spreads.
I understand the need to support small towns and businesses I agree with you. It can be common that Councillors have poor judgement but they are voted in by the constituents to represent them. If decisions are bad “front” the council meetings as I have done in the past and fix the problem. This has to be done at your end. They wont bite you. Show the council the comments from this website then they might understand. Councillors need help and the correct advice too. Grey Nomads on the road are a great group of people with so much wisdom who need to be really well looked after. If Grey Nomads are treated badly by decisions of councils it will reflect on the whole community as you know. To treat us badly in our later years for having spent time and money in small towns is a slap in the face and needs to change.
When will councillors get it through their heads that a single pension of $430 PW simply does not allow for ANY fee for overnight parking? Even $10 PN equals $70 PW. That’s my food for the week. If I can park my campervan near a town for free I can spend that money (plus fuel) in that town. If not I can’t stay. Simple as that. Not being stingy or trying to do caravan parks out of anything. Just trying to enjoy my retirement on what the govt thinks I deserve for paying income tax for 46 years.
Here we go again, councils doing their best to line their pockets any way they can without considering the implications. Caravan parks are always increasing their rates for powered and unpowered sites which puts the pressure on no only pensioners but also young families, leaving you no option but to camp overnight at free camp sites. But if that’s the way this council wants to operate then lets all do our bit and avoid the area completely.
What people need to do when councils vote this sort of thing in, is to write to the council concerned and express our views there. Also tell councils how much money you do spend in other free camps and on what, that way they can see the money is spread in the township at a variety of businesses and not just at caravan parks.
I understand caravan park association in S A is lobbying councils to remove free parking in there areas as to keep caravan parks full even though they cant cope in peak times . looks like another user pays no matter what time of life your in.
Following some overt and covert pressure from Allora and Dalveen, the Southern Downs Regional Council has rescinded the resolution to put $10 Honesty Boxes in the free camp sites at Allora and Dalveen. As a bonus, the maximum stay has been increased to 48 hours. So, please come back and fill our parks!