Another NSW council has been stepping up its efforts to stamp out illegal camping over the busy Easter holiday period.
The Central Coast Council has increased ranger patrols, erected new signage, and put in place stricter penalties ‘to protect public spaces for both residents and visitors’.
The council says camping in residential streets, beach carparks and nature reserves is prohibited, and that ranger patrols now operate seven days a week, from early morning and overnight, with fines issued to those who do not comply with the signposted rules.
Central Coast Council Director Environment and Planning, Jamie Loader, said the increased enforcement aims to balance welcoming visitors while ensuring the local environment and community are safe and respected.
Illegal campers have been warned they could face heavy fines. PIC: Kindel Media / Pexels
“We love sharing our region with visitors, but it’s important that our public spaces remain clean, safe and accessible for everyone,” he said. “Illegal camping can lead to litter, environmental damage and safety concerns, which is why we are increasing patrols and taking a stronger stance on enforcement.”
The crackdown includes stronger penalties for illegal camping, with on-the-spot fines ranging from $110 to $2,200 and a maximum penalty of $110,000 for repeat offenders.
The council has also reviewed and updated signage at key locations, restricting overnight parking between 10pm and 5am and making it clear that camping is not permitted.
Central Coast Council Mayor, Lawrie McKinna said the message was simple – if you’re visiting the Central Coast, plan ahead and book an approved campsite.
“Our beaches, parks, and reserves are some of the Central Coast’s greatest assets, and they belong to everyone,” the Mayor said. “By addressing illegal camping, we are helping to ensure that locals and visitors alike can continue to enjoy these spaces without disruption.
The council acknowledged that some individuals who camp illegally may be experiencing homelessness.
“While we are committed to enforcing the rules, we also understand that everyone has different circumstances and Council has a responsibility to support vulnerable members of our community,” said Mayor McKenna. “Council continues to work closely with police, State Government agencies and local service providers to find long-term solutions to homelessness.”
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With very rare exceptions, if it is not listed in wikicamps, then we don’t stay overnight.
This should not be a crime. If you make no mess or fuss, what is the problem? Once again the majority suffer from the reckless few. Saw a show on Netflix which highlighted the houseless women over 50 problem. Very enlightening.
Fully accredited self-contained vehicles should be allowed overnight stays between 10PM and 5AM.
Do the locals actually visit the beach during those hours?
Heavily fine the rubbish dumpers and polluters.
Once again, the caravan park lobby wins. The spokespersons hide behind litter and environmental damage, keeping a clean environment, etc. That is not the truth and we know it. Fine those who litter, damage the environment, etc. by noting the registration number of the vehicle that has parked there and checking afterwards for litter or other “damage.” Every Council should make an area available for 2/3 days camping and fine heavily those who don’t keep the area clean.