PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council will deliver the findings of its free camping management trial in March but the debate about tourists setting up home on local beachfronts rages on.
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Residents who frequent some of the area's most popular beaches say they have had enough of free campers and backpackers using beach reserve carparks as short term accommodation.
Kelly Beardsall, who walks along Shelly Beach every morning, was shocked this week when the reserve carpark was full of people sleeping in their cars and vans.
"On Wednesday morning I counted 24 vehicles in the Shelly Beach car park, including a ute towing a caravan that took up eight spaces," she said.
"There were cars with people sleeping in them and campervans. That was at 6am."
Mrs Beardsall says she has no problem with tourists visiting our beautiful town, but wants to ensure it is kept exactly that way - beautiful.
"I don't have a problem with tourists. Come and stay in our town and enjoy our beaches," she said.
"However when I see a relatively new car towing a relatively new caravan it makes me wonder why they could not use the caravan park which costs roughly $30 or $40 a night.
"Backpackers are strapped for cash, I understand, but it was pretty annoying that the whole car park was basically full with people trying to find a spot to stay."
Mrs Beardsall has called on the council rangers to closely monitor all of these hotspots and ensure users keep the place neat and tidy.
"So long as these people pick up after themselves I see no problems," she said.
"However I'd like the rangers to be mindful of how many nights they have been staying and whether or not they have been interrupting local residents who want to use the beaches and facilities."
Port Macquarie Hastings Council's director of development and environment Matt Rogers said a management trial began in September 2014 to assist council in the development of a free camping management strategy.
"The trial includes a mix of research with free campers and local community, consultation with the tourism and accommodation industry, the provision of where to camp information and signage at known 'free camping' hotspots," Mr Rogers said.
"The results of the management trial are being collated and will be considered at the March ordinary council meeting."
Mr Rogers said that they are currently trialling signage and brochures that highlight council's resolution to prohibit camping on reserves, roads and road-related areas.
Regarding infringements, Mr Rogers said that notices were only issued as a last resort, however littering by regular park users and campers is not tolerated.
Council is encouraging the community to report any evidence of damage to, or inappropriate use of, public spaces.
A Facebook page titled "Save our parks" has been created by one Port Macquarie resident and provides a link to a petition urging council to 'comply with legislation and keep our parks and reserves kids-safe'.
At the time of print, the page had accumulated over 1020 likes.
matthew.attard@fairfaxmedia.com.au
