They Mayor of Meander Valley Council has made a statement about the closure of the Westbury Recreation Ground to free camping and overnight stays. This is in response to the council stopping people from camping in the popular free-camping location, despite the fact the town doesn’t have a formal caravan park.
The statement says “Council must abide by planning regulations and national competition policy which govern how the Westbury Recreation Grounds may be used.” Mayor Craig Perkins continues, “Unfortunately, these regulations do not permit camping and/or overnight stops and the Westbury Recreation Ground is not equipped with the facilities required to support this activity,” It’s understood the council risks significant penalties for non compliance with planning regulations.
“Historically, a number of sites have been used for ad-hoc camping but there has never been a formal arrangement in place. The Westbury Recreation Ground is a local parkland for residents’ sport and recreation and is surrounded by residential properties. In response to this issue of non-compliance, Council must formalise arrangements around camping.
Council is still waiting for some further information from the Economic Regulator. There is some inequity that exists Statewide on this issue and it is hoped that post election we may be provided with further direction reasonably quickly. Council will be guided by the advice received from the State Government and we are mindful that a solution needs to be found that works for Meander Valley,” Mayor Craig Perkins said.
We value and welcome visitors to Meander Valley and there are a number of caravan parks in the municipality,” Mayor Craig Perkins said.
Looking for the best travel advice? Subscribe to ROAM magazine for as little as $25!
There are a number of other free camping sites within the Meander Valley Council area and a spokesperson for the council has confirmed that the Bracknell River Reserve will be closed to campers ‘in the next week or so” and that the free campsite at Deloraine is also under review and may also be closed.
We’ll continue to update as we find out more.
See the original story here – Tasmanian Free Camp Shut Down By Council
If you’re planning a trip to Tasmania, what sort of campsites are you hoping to find? Comment below.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
About Time To Roam
Australia's premier magazine focused on the people and culture of caravanning and camping.- Shows Cancelled amid COVID-19 Fears - 14 March 2020
- Windsor Caravans Now Does Motorhomes - 11 February 2020
- First Look – Frontline HiAce 6th Generation - 10 February 2020
- ACC Heading to Charters Towers - 5 February 2020
- New HiAce Frontline Camper Unveiled - 4 February 2020
- Should You Travel To Bushfire Affected Communities? - 12 January 2020
- Can Your Caravan Help After The Bushfires - 11 January 2020
- Why We Use Camplify And You Should Too - 29 October 2019
- Trakka Akuna Campervan – First Look - 24 October 2019
- Car and Caravan Weight Calculator - 11 October 2019
