$140,000 to support city freedom camping initiatives

FREEDOM camping in Dunedin has received a $140,000 boost.

The Dunedin City Council was successful in an application to the Ministry of Business Innovation and employment to go towards responsible camping initiatives.

Funds of $140,000 will help to manage freedom camping during the 202021 season, paying for a community ranger programme, increased security patrols for monitoring and enforcement, and temporary toilet facilities and servicing.

The season began yesterday and ends on April 30, though freedom campers use some Dunedin sites throughout the year.

Council parks and recreation acting group manager Scott MacLean said it was waiting to see what freedom camping would look like this year but so far visitor numbers had been average to above average.

‘‘At this stage, we’re not sure how the season will shape up.”

A new camping site at the Thomas Burns site was last week added to the council’s camping control bylaw on a permanent basis, allowing selfcontained and nonselfcontained vehicles to camp there during the season every year.

Last season, it was Dunedin’s most popular site.

Mr MacLean said three community rangers would visit freedom campsites and patrol further afield to areas such as Waikouaiti.

‘‘Freedom campers will be surveyed and the information gathered will build on data collected last summer.’’

The joint council and Department of Conservation community ranger initiative will run from November until the end of April.

As well as monitoring and informing people about freedom camping, they would be making sure vehicles stayed off beaches, especially at Tomahawk and Waikouaiti, Mr MacLean said.