Permanent ban on freedom camping up for discussion

Interim measures to ban freedom camping from two popular Queenstown reserves could become permanent.

The Queenstown Lakes District Council will be asked to initiate consultation on bylaw amendments prohibiting freedom camping at Lakes Hayes and Shotover Delta at its meeting tomorrow.

Council community services general manager Thunes Cloete said the proposal would formalise interim measures put in place in February that prohibited freedom camping at the two reserves.

He said the council recognised the majority of campers were responsible and respectful and contributed to the local economy but it needed to respond to the ‘‘considerable concern’’ from residents who felt they were unable to enjoy the reserves because of the behaviour of some freedom campers.

‘‘Reports of washing in the lakes, human waste and overcrowding had to be addressed and that’s why we previously introduced restrictions on overnight access to specific locations.’’

In a parallel project, the council has been working to establish the framework for a Queenstown Lakes District responsible camping strategy.

Recommendations from this strategy, due for completion in October, will determine where freedom camping is appropriate in the district.

‘‘Council acknowledges that many in the camping community do camp responsibly and will not favour formalising the prohibition of freedom camping in these areas,’’ Cloete said.