A COMMUNITY gathering on Tuesday will share residents' views about free camping at Shelly Beach.
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Port Macquarie resident Robyn Sparkes called for the discussion about free camping at Shelly Beach to hear what residents have to say about it.
Shelly Beach is one of the free camping hotspots in the local government area.
"I'm passionate about this area and I want it to be open for business for campers to come down here, but on the condition that they only stay overnight between the hours of 7pm and 7am, which works in other council areas," she said. "They can come back every night."
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is grappling with the free camping issue.
The community gathering comes the day before the council considers its position on free camping into the future.
The community gathering begins at 11am tomorrow at Harry's caravan at Shelly Beach.
Ms Sparkes regularly free camps at Shelly Beach and speaks to other free campers and residents.
She has invited the mayor and councillors to come along to the community gathering and encourages interested residents to attend.
The council started a management trial in September as a step towards the development of a free camping management strategy.
The approach included a no camping sign trial in 12 free camping hotspots, research, consultation and an education campaign.
Free campers completed 300 surveys and 100 surveys were completed by the community, users of the recreational space and nearby residents.
The results of the trial will come before Wednesday night's Port Macquarie-Hastings Council meeting at Wauchope.
Ms Sparkes believes there must be ongoing education and information so free campers know the rules, as well as enforcement.
