South West shire president calls for illegal camping project team to report back by June

Augusta-Margaret River shire president Julia Meldrum has proposed a special project team be formed to tackle illegal camping.

In a motion tabled for this month’s council meeting, the president wants to examine the spate of illegal camping that rocked the region this summer as well as possible solutions, working in partnership with the City of Busselton.

“We agreed to consider the issue of illegal camping at our next meeting,” Ms Meldrum said.

“With increased tourism and a growing population putting more pressure on our infrastructure and facilities, we know this is a big concern for our community and want to determine a way forward.”

Backpackers and van travellers in particular were a hot topic during summer amid complaints about visitors clogging up popular spots, beach parking and driving an increase in shire ranger call-outs.

However, concerned residents previously told the Times a solution was needed beyond fines because too many international tourists could skip the country without ever paying up.

“It’s not enforceable,” resident Christine Griffiths said.

“What it boils down to is the council doing something about it, not just ticketing them.”

Ms Griffiths and others said an overflow facility similar to the one run by the Shire of Exmouth was needed during peak periods.

The Times sought details on what proportion of fines levied by the shire were actually paid but the local government was unable to confirm any numbers.

“We’ll be compiling that data as part of our efforts to review illegal camping activities and will make it available in the coming months,” a spokesperson said.

The Times previously reported the shire would consider engaging a consultant midyear to examine its options, but if supported Ms Meldrum’s motion would order the project team to report back by the end of June.

A shire statement said if the motion was supported, the team would investigate the illegal camping phenomenon and “propose strategies to address the issue in a way that supports and strengthens our diverse community”.

“The motion also asks that a business case, with costings, be prepared to explore an overflow camping area for itinerant campers,” the shire spokesperson said.

“The shire recognises that while illegal camping has become a significant concern for the community, it is also a complicated issue given not all illegal campers are the same.

“Some are free campers, while others are seasonal workers employed by vineyards or in cafes and restaurants unable to secure rental accommodation.”

It was also noted the housing crisis was a factor to consider in any solutions.

Efforts to combat illegal camping in the City of Busselton were significantly affected by homeless residents and those living in their vehicles.

The motion will be considered on Wednesday, April 24.