As summer nears, coastal communities across the country are once again readying themselves for an influx of travellers … and a potential surge in illegal camping.
Over recent years, the ‘issue’ has become more visible, and a lot more complicated. Contributing factors include a pandemic-inspired surge in camping’s popularity, the rise of digital nomads and the van-life phenomenon, and a housing crisis that has left many with no place to go.
And the authorities are struggling to know what to do.
In WA, the Shire of Augusta Margaret River has called a special council meeting for later this month which will address the illegal camping issue … and, in doing so, it has acknowledged its traditional approach hasn’t been effective.
Coastal communities are preparing for a summer surge in caravan numbers PIC: Jezza
A council report says a ‘purely enforcement-based response has proven insufficient’, and is recommending the special meeting adopt a community engagement approach – ‘bringing community members into a genuine partnership with Shire officers and the council to identify local problems, codesign solutions, and share accountability for results’.
“Traditional responses to illegal camping have relied on enforcement, short-term infrastructure fixes and internal, officer led actions,” the report said. “While necessary, they often treat symptoms rather than causes.”
The council acknowledged that community members had repeatedly expressed frustration with the Shire’s response to illegal camping … and thinks involving them more in the process will help.
The plan is to establish an ongoing Illegal Camping Community Working Group to advise on the management of illegal camping and peak season pressures.
“The group will operate as an advisory and participatory body to inform illegal camping actions over time,” the council report said. “In this model, the Shire’s role shifts from sole problem-solver to facilitator and implementer, providing technical expertise, logistical support, transparent reporting, and statutory enforcement capability.”
And the process has already begun to some extent. Between March and September this year, 13 meetings with community members were held, producing an initial three-year roadmap of actions.
And, while the process may have been different, the suggested solutions appeared fairly familiar. They include higher infringement penalties, revised ranger patrol routes, trial gate access changes at some bushland areas, and new ‘No Free Camping’ signage.
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This area is a paradox. On one hand the local farms need workers for grapes and other crops; but on the other hand there is no long term accommodation for workers – the caravan parks only offer short term holiday accommodation which is horrendously expensive. Even for travellers just passing through there is nothing on offer that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. It’s a real shame as it’s such a beautiful part of Oz that could with a bit of thought offer so much more for the travelling community.
Illegal camping is rampant in coastal areas all over Australia.
We live on the coast South of Melbourne
Illegal campers are plentiful particularly motorhomes.
They should have their wheels clamped until they pay a $300 on the spot fine.
No excuses.
Just make it legal! Esperance has as well overflow camp sites. So if the demand is there you need to provide a legal offer. Can be pretty basic sites with just toilets but should be self financing by reasonable $20 overnight fees and max 1 night stay.
There are 2 types: low budget vans, but as well large caravans as it’s impossible to have a journey through the Margaret River /south west region as camp sites require to stay a full week in school holidays. The politics is pushing families and backpackers in illegal space!!!