With the Easter weekend fast approaching, the Central Coast Council in NSW is strongly advising visitors to ensure they book approved campsites in advance to avoid hefty fines, which can reach up to $110,000 for repeat offenders according to an article by Yahoo News.
This clear message from the council, “The message is simple — if you’re visiting the Central Coast, plan ahead and book an approved campsite,” comes as authorities are increasing ranger patrols and implementing new signage to identify and penalize illegal camping.
On-the-spot fines ranging from $110 to $2,200 will be issued to those found camping outside designated areas, with stricter penalties for those who repeatedly disregard the rules.
The council’s proactive approach aims to mitigate the negative impacts of illegal camping, such as environmental degradation, littering, and safety issues in public spaces, which prompted a review of overnight parking restrictions now enforcing no camping in key locations between 10 pm and 5 am.
While committed to enforcing these regulations, the council has also stated that rangers will direct any homeless individuals encountered to appropriate support services.
This emphasis on pre-planning and booking approved sites by the Central Coast Council is part of a wider effort by councils across Australia to manage camping responsibly and ensure visitors enjoy the region in a sustainable manner.
For the outdoor hospitality and recreation industry, this news underscores the critical importance of encouraging responsible tourism and the utilization of approved camping facilities.