The ongoing debate about free camping in Tasmania looks set to rumble on for some time yet.
Just three months after it banned overnight camping at the Bracknell River Reserve south west of Launceston, the Meander Valley Council has installed a metal bollard in the area … and not everyone is happy.
The Examiner newspaper reveals that councillor Ian Mackenzie quizzed council staff about the decision, and found they were unaware that members of the Bracknell Fire Brigade used the spot to access to the river for water collection and training purposes,
Cr Mackenzie then continued to question council staff about the established tradition of free camping at the Bracknell River site.
“I believe that Meander Valley Council has received approximately 20 statutory declarations from Bracknell Community members on the Bracknell River Reserve being a camp site,” he said. “Would it be correct to say, that all of those statutory declarations stated that the River Reserve has been a camp area for 25 years or more?
The council’s general manager Martin Gill said about 20 declarations had been received, and all stated the site had been used for camping for more than 25 years.
The Examiner newspaper reports that councillor Mackenzie said the reason he had asked the questions was ‘to get them on the public record’.
“Campers put about $20,000 into the Bracknell community through the pub and post office and I don’t want those businesses to miss out on the tourist season,” he said.
We will by pass Bracknell in future. We free camp regularly when travelling around the state. We have not bothered to visit Westbury since free camping was stopped.
Have camped in Bracknell many times especially around Agfest ,won’t be able to spend my money at the pub any more
Stupid bloody decision
I’ll be right, got a mate lives in town with a big block. We are always welcome.
The Economic Regulator! One day he will wake up to himself and stop repeating the Caravan Park lobby’s wishes
Looks like Tazzie is off our visit trip.. they are cutting their own throats by banning free camping cost heaps to travel over there one way of saving $$$ ..lost revenue for Tasmanian businesses. .
Don’t be put off travelling to Tassy due to one council being a-holes. There are more free camps in Tassy by area than any other state on mainland Australia. All other Tassy council/shire areas welcome free campers.
hi all I love free camping in Tasmania .I like to cook open fire and free camp people more friendly . I love to spend my money small town not in a caravan park .I travel my self and people at free camp more friendly don’t feel a lone