Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has reinforced the message that overnight camping is not permitted at recreational reserves or car parks.
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This follows a recent incident at Shelly Beach.
Port Macquarie resident Jim McClellan said he was visiting the popular reserve with friends on October 30.
"When we arrived down at Shelly’s there was a clothesline strung across the grassed reserve area and it was full of drying clothes," he said.
"We head down to that beach sometimes twice a month and there are always free campers there.
"I don't mind the overnight camping so much, but as long as they leave the place clean and tidy.
"The one thing I will object too is seeing their clothes hanging across the grassed area."
Mr McClellan, a resident of Port Macuqarie for almost 20 years, said he had approached council about the matter.
Council director Melissa Watkins confirmed that overnight camping was not permitted on certain areas within the local government area.
Overnight camping is not permitted at our region’s recreational reserves or car parks.
- Melissa Watkins
"Overnight camping is not permitted at our region’s recreational reserves or car parks," Ms Watkins said.
"Campers are welcome to visit, park and use amenities at our recreational spaces during permitted hours, however must comply with relevant parking restrictions where indicated on street signage.
"Council is committed to patrolling our region’s public spaces to make sure they remain enjoyable for all.
"We encourage our community to contact council should they have concerns regarding the use of our community’s public facilities and recreational spaces,” the director said.
Mr McClellan said he often saw people taking advantage of the free parking and camping on Town Beach.
"It appears that they (the free campers) have just been moved down to Shelly’s Beach," he said.
"If I were to put my clothes airer on the front footpath I am sure council would come down on me like a ton of bricks.
"A clothes full of clothes on a public reserve gives our town a demeaning look and is potentially stopping people from coming to Port Macquarie to enjoy a holiday.
"We shouldn't see clothes hanging on a line like that," he said.
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