Freedom camping budget increase

Council is set to increase its annual budget for monitoring freedom camping areas in Marlborough, to ensure community expectations are met.

At the last Assets and Services Committee meeting, the responsible camping monitoring budget was increased by $20,000, up to $90,000. The funding allowed for a comprehensive monitoring programme of responsible camping across Marlborough, Parks and Open Spaces Manager Jane Tito said.

“With open borders there will be increased numbers visiting the region in the coming season and the amount of monitoring should increase to align with community expectations,” she said.

Monitoring and enforcement of responsible camping is carried out by an external contractor, a system that has worked well for the last three seasons, said Mrs Tito.

“The contractor has built up staff expertise capable of managing challenging situations.

Daily monitoring, regarded as essential by the community, is proposed for the busy tourist months of December through March.

“In previous years the level of monitoring contributed to fewer complaints made with freedom camping issues,” said Mrs Tito.

The increase in funding was to cover a potential wider monitoring scope and reflect increased operating costs including rising inflation, wages and vehicle running costs.