Freedom camping bylaw
Public submissions on Whanganui District Council’s proposed freedom camping bylaw have officially closed, although late proposals could still be accepted.
The cut-off date was Sunday, however the council’s corporate group manager Stephanie Macdonald-Rose said Covid-19 restrictions over the past two weeks may have delayed some submissions.
“We will consider late submissions, where things have been delayed by Covid-19 restrictions, on a case-bycase basis.
“The council has received more than 140 submissions, with some hard copy submissions still being collated.”
The council’s strategy and finance committee voted in favour of a draft freedom camping bylaw in July after investigations by council officers which included consultations with the public and campers.
Officers said public complaints primarily related to the length of stay of freedom campers at Kowhai Park and Jubilee Stadium car parks.
The bylaw proposes prohibiting freedom camping at the Bason Reserve, Kowhai Park, Springvale Park, and the Central Business District.
It also proposes restrictions on freedom camping at Kowhai Park and Springvale Park car parks, as well as limiting the number of nights campers can stay at any one site and the number of vehicles at some sites.
Councils can make a local bylaw under the Freedom Camping Act 2011 to protect an area, protect the health and safety of people who may visit, or protect access to the area.
Bylaws cannot prohibit freedom camping outright and must identify areas where freedom camping is either restricted or prohibited.
McDonald-Rose said the bylaw would allow the council to address community concerns while continuing to provide suitable sites.
“Until now we have encouraged the use of our local freedom camping sites, while taking into account feedback from the community.”
Macdonald-Rose said the council’s general position was that freedom camping was positive for Whanganui.