Free camping at the Riverside Reserve in the New South Wales town of Wingham is now nothing but a distant memory for the thousands of grey nomads who have stayed there. The dreaded ‘No Camping’ signs have been erected by order of Greater Taree City Council, marking the end of an era for many regular visitors.
Local resident, Maree Bond, told the Wingham Chronicle that on some evenings there had been three or four vans or motorhomes at the reserve. She said these tourists would probably have refuelled their vehicles, bought groceries, souvenirs and papers, as well as having a coffee at a local café or a meal at a club or restaurant.
“Why is our council so negative to something that could bring such benefit to our local area?” she asked. “This is all money that wouldn’t be spent if they hadn’t stayed.”
Ms Bond, an occasional traveller herself, said that the travellers’ presence at the reserve had probably helped to reduce the incidence of vandalism and other anti- social behaviour.
“As people who have taken advantage of free or donation box overnight rest areas in other country towns such as Mendooran in NSW and Blackall in Queensland, we appreciate the decisions the councils in those areas have actively made to encourage tourists to stay and spend money in their towns,” she said.
However, a spokesman from Greater Taree City Council said camping had never been approved in the area because of insufficient facilities. The council said the recent erection of ‘No Camping’ signs was for public safety reasons in response to an incident where campers had run a live power cord from the barbecue facilities across the road to their van.
The spokesman said the council had also received complaints from residents about campers at the reserve. Kerry Johnstone from the council’s tourism development office told the Wingham Chronicle that it was aware campers were a very large part of the tourism market … and certainly didn’t want to discourage the activity.
“As an alternative location for camping in Wingham, we would suggest the Wingham Showground where specific facilities for this purpose exist,” she said.
Have you camped at Wingham’s Riverside Reserve or at the showgrounds? Email us here with your thoughts on this story.
My wife and I only support those towns that support us looks like Wingham is now on the no go list. Who misses out in this instance the businesses and people of Wingham.
This is now incorrect as Wingham welcome free campers at their Riverside Reserve if you are self contained.