The fate of South Australia’s popular Rapid Bay holiday campground is still up in the air, but there has been an outpouring of support for its continued operation.
Back in May, Yankalilla Council said it had received a letter from a law firm representing local ratepayer which called for the campground
– about 90 kilometres south of Adelaide – to be immediately closed.
The ratepayer asked for the council to “immediately refrain from causing suffering or permitting the use of the subject land for a public access camping and caravan ground”.
The council’s lawyer has now responded to the legal letter, saying its use of the land as a campsite is lawful and will continue.
However, in August or September, councillors will meet to consider a report on the pros and cons of camping continuing at Rapid Bay. The Adelaide Advertiser reports that some local residents have previously raised concerns about noise and rubbish, but elected members worry that – if the site is officially closed – people will camp there anyway.
The council will also assess the results of a call for expressions of interest from potential campsite managers. The current management arrangement is due to expire on September 30.
Since questions were raised about the future or Rapid Bay Campground, an online petition in its support has been signed by nearly 10,000 people.
Fleurieu resident Lauren Barrington told the Victor Harbor Times that closing the campground would be ‘absolutely absurd’.
“Local businesses rely on tourism to survive, closing the campground would have a detrimental effect,” she said. “It’s outrageous that one person potentially has council over a barrel.”
She said she also worried that illegal camping would jump if the area was run as open space and not a campground.
Great camping do not close it down
On my bucket list don’t close it down
Great campsite Called in there on Sun 4th July and it had a sign on the gate CLOSED It ne3eds to be kept as a CAMP GROUND
We stayed their last weekend just beautiful, met some people travelling all the way down from Queensland and they said it’s one of the best places they’ve ever been to. On our door step , great set up be a big shame to lose it
Someone needs to take charge of this; what a great opportunity for a retired person/couple to run a volunteer based, donation van/camping park. It can only be a Win for the town and a Win for tourism. The reason tourism suffers in Australia is because council listen to the wrong people. Perhaps the Veteran community can take a look at this..
I have not been here, but would love to. It looks a beautiful spot and close to local towns which would definitely benefit from travellers camping here and visiting their town. I certainly hope it does not close and a caretaker can be found. Sounds like a perfect occupation.
A great camp spot. Have been staying here since I was a child. Still visit annually. Surely it must be saved as a favourite camp spot of lots of people from all over Australia0
Rapid Bay was one of the highlights of my trip to SA in June. Massive cave at end of beach and lovely little towns to explore. The camp gives a receipt with a list of ‘do nots’ and everyone adhered to this. Even a group of 10 young footballers cut of the music and chatter at 10pm as it asks on the list.
The issue of noise needs to be investigated , in that visitors and locals should co – exist for both their benefit. Maybe a feasibility study on noise mitigation measures ( sound barriers , natural screening etc. ) could be looked at. As far as the rubbish is concerned , the council could charge each site a small fee for a commercial contractor to look after this .( This creates another local job!)
Great camp I have heard, don’t close it down over one miserable person…who needs to get a life.
Rapid bay camp ground is one of the nicest places I’ve ever stayed at. I was there a couple of years ago. I truly didn’t want to leave. It would be ashame to close it. I met so many amazing people there I was travelling on my own had more than two or three groups of people make sure I was well. Made me tea and coffee and a good chat. Hope the council keeps their mind about them. Surely it is a good thing for this little town.
I’ve got a great idea. Tell the complainant he can move out if he doesn’t like it! It is absurd how one whinger is allowed to be listened to.
I agree.
We love Rapid Bay Camp ground do not close it. It is a beautiful spot .