Caravan parks to take backpacker load after councillors baulk at overflow options

Councillors have voted unanimously to monitor the illegal camping situation this summer while offering a pool of $25,000 for caravan park operators interested in a pilot test of overflow camping facilities.

While it was unclear whether any of the region’s providers would lodge an expression of interest – given the local government already runs three of the most prominent parks – elected members would also seek a report into this summer’s action for next year.

Councillors considered a report from the project team tasked with examining peak season use of hotspots amid ongoing concerns about travellers, illegal camping, parking restrictions and damage to the local environment.

While the City of Busselton would this year introduce restrictions on beach parking to combat rising volumes of travellers tying up access to the coastline, the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River would continue its approach of monitoring, educating and fining noncompliant travellers.

That comes despite the report showing only about two-thirds of those fined actually paid their bills before fleeing the region.

And while those figures also showed skyrocketing numbers of fines handed out – infringements jumped 300 per cent since 2011 – officers also said that was more so due to ranger patrols.

“The increase in infringements does not necessarily mean there is an increase in illegal camping activity in the shire,” the report said.

“This is supported by anecdotal feedback from the shire rangers team because from 2021 onwards there was a greater emphasis placed on enforcement action.”

Furthermore, travellers caught up in enforcement weren’t all the same, and as shire chief executive Andrea Selvey noted last week, some people wanted to camp in nature regardless of legalities.

Although councillors were presented with options to explore a shire-run overflow facility, the offer given to established providers was endorsed instead.

More data was also needed, and would be collected this summer, with issues like homelessness complicating the focus on illegal camping and increased day visitation at attractions.

“An overflow campsite has the potential to play a role in addressing illegal camping in the region,” the report said.

“However, there is uncertainty about how effective this would be and there are risks of unintended consequences.

“A pilot approach to an overflow site is recommended so that the shire can understand how effective this initiative would be in addressing illegal camping before significant investments are made.”

Meanwhile, the shire had brokered discussions with the Shire of Exmouth which faced similar challenges.