Council rangers target backpackers and tourists illegally staying overnight in beach carparks
Backpackers and tourists in campervans and motorhomes are being told by council rangers that if they stay overnight in beach carparks they risk huge fines.
Manly
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Authorities are cracking down on backpackers and tourists staying overnight in campervans and motorhomes at our most popular beaches.
Rangers are now targeting the free makeshift campgrounds where up to half a dozen vehicles can be parked on just one night, Northern Beaches Council has confirmed.
On Sunday the Manly Daily counted five campervans and motorhomes stopped in the car park behind Dee Why Beach.
The vehicle’s occupants make use of the free shower and toilet facilities in the beach amenities block.
Another four campervans were spotted making camp in the car park at Freshwater Beach.
A group of budget travellers was also seen setting up tables and chairs in the car park of the Council’s Creative Space building on Abbott Rd, Curl Curl, near the netball courts at John Fisher Park.
Travellers who ignore the council’s “No Camping/Overnight Stay” signs risk a $1100 fine under the Local Government Act for “acting contrary to notices”.
On its website the Council said, however, that it was not an offence to stay in a vehicle overnight as long as it is parked legally and there were no prohibiting signs at the location.
The Manly Daily has been contacted by readers who complained about the campervans and motorhomes taking up scarce parking spaces during summer weekends and some occupants dumping rubbish in the beach reserves.
“It’s great they love our beaches, but they shouldn’t be allowed to camp for free and take up all this space,” a Dee Why local who asked not to be named said.
Council chief executive officer Ray Brownlee said it had recently put up more no camping signs at Freshwater Beach, McKillop Park Reserve at Freshwater and Dee Why Beach to “deter the influx of seasonal campervans staying overnight.”
“Similar issues have been also dealt with in Manly and Palm Beach,” Mr Brownlee said.
“Rangers are authorised to issue fines and notices under section 632 of the Local Government Act, when necessary.”
Mr Brownlee said the rangers investigate all complaints about campervans in reserves and other carparks.
“However at this time of year there is often a large number of incidents.
“As a result Rangers tend to target known hotspot areas such as Freshwater Beach and Dee Why Beach carpark.”