Overflow Camping - Is it the Solution to Illegal Camping

Would Overflow Camping Work in our Shire?

An overflow camping area is often suggested as a solution to illegal camping during our peak tourism period. They’re used in Exmouth, and Tasmania so an overflow camping area should work here too, right?  
Maybe. Maybe not.

Every town or area is unique. The solution to illegal camping isn’t as simple as creating an over-flow camping area, and creating an overflow camping area isn’t necessarily simple.  These are some of the things we need to consider.

• Where would it go? – An overflow camping area would ideally be located near a town or the beach. Given the size of our Shire it’s difficult to identify the best location.  Additionally using a Shire reserve, like Gloucester Park, would limit community access to that public space, while using private land would incur leasing costs which would probably be greater than the revenue, we receive from camping fees, leaving ratepayers to cover the shortfall.  
• Another expense for ratepayers? Overflow campsites need infrastructure such as toilets, waste management, and staffing. Low camping fees may not cover these costs which would need to be subsidised by ratepayers.
• What's the Impact on local businesses? – Local caravan park owners have expressed concerns that a low-cost overflow site could reduce demand for their established parks, which don’t operate at full capacity outside peak periods.
• Would the illegal campers even use them? A lot of illegal campers simply enjoy sleeping in nature. They’d be unlikely to be use an overflow campsite as they prefer not to stay in formal caravan or camping facilities.
• Could it make things worse? Creating a low cost or basic camping options may may in fact attract more budget travellers seeking free or cheap places to stay, potentially worsening the problem. 

While overflow camping is an option worth exploring it’s unlikely to completely resolve the issue in our shire. We will continue to carefully investigate this idea to ensure it’s a responsible use of ratepayer funds while also determining how best to lobby State and Federal Governments for support. 

To read more about how we will be proactively addressing peak season challenges this summer click here.