Changes to freedom camping law mulled
Lumsden’s freedom camping situation could be set for a change, following plans to amend the current bylaws.
The Lumsden Community Development Area Subcommittee has requested the Southland District Council amend the bylaw in time for the next summer season.
The council is expected to discuss the amendment at its meeting on June 29. If approved, the amendment will be released for public consultation in July.
The proposed changes are primarily related to providing more space for non-selfcontained freedom campers, and designating a specific site for tents (according to the bylaw, a vehicle is classified as being ‘self-contained’ if it has the capability of meeting the ablutionary and sanitary needs of its occupants).
As well as this, a set of rules have been put forward to regulate activity for non-selfcontained campers at the sites.
These include restrictions where washing can be hung, when tents can be put up and where campers can wash dishes/clean teeth.
There will also be efforts to mitigate any adverse effects of freedom camping, such as marking camp sites and installing visual screening at the area proposed for tents.
Lumsden CDA chairman Rob Scott said the changes reflected the amount of use the camping area had received in the past two years.
‘‘The number of freedom campers that came to Lumsden started to exceed our expectations.
‘‘From the beginning there was every expectation we would review the situation – now having two seasons’ experience we can tune it to make some changes.’’
Scott said with camper numbers reaching up to 110 during peak season, there had been some issues with overflow outside the designated camping areas.
‘‘Because there were more than we were expecting, the camping area expanded beyond the original plan. The campers weren’t doing it intentionally, it’s just that the area was not well marked, too small, and not able to cater for the numbers.
Councillor John Douglas said continued freedom camping could be good for the town, provided it was well managed.
He said the amendments were working towards improving the situation for both locals and campers.
Douglas said there had been an increase in spending at local businesses, and facilities such as the Lumsden Pool
‘‘They’re not huge spenders by any means, no one ever said they were, but they all have to buy food and petrol.’’ Lumsden Motel co-owner Brian Ross, whose business sits adjacent to the camping site, said it had also brought adverse economic effects.
‘‘There was no thought of how this decision would impact on other businesses.
‘‘Our customers, who actually have a bit of money to spend, they don’t want to have to look across the road at a bloody refugee camp.
‘‘They’ve allowed them to camp for two years outside the assigned areas – they’ve turned a blind eye.’’
Ross said one of the major sticking points for those against the current situation was the lack of consultation over the original plan.
‘‘There are people who generally don’t like it, there are some who are bending over backwards to help them out – but all this could have been avoided if we’d all sat down and talked about the issue before making a decision.’’