Planning Reform Unit
Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources,

PRIMITIVE CAMPING GROUNDS

Our Association supports the requests of Eurobodalla Shire Council to have the regulations governing primitive camping grounds amended. In particular, to change the requirements from 2 'tents, caravans & campervans' per hectare to 2 "camp sites" per hectare.

Unless the regulations are changed the primitive camp grounds in our Shire will be closed and the sites used for much more intensive development. Caravan parks, with all the facilities required by law, permanently change the site to a medium density urban development as so many of the sites have to be occupied by permanent residents in order to make them pay. Worse still, the primitive camp ground at Moruya North Head would probably be developed as a resort -- Council has wanted to do this for many years but the community is strongly opposed.

In our shire the primitive camping grounds are mainly used in the peak holiday periods with maximum occupancy for only 2-3 weeks each year. For the rest of the year the grounds are more like coastal bushland parks.

A recent survey conducted for Council by IRIS Research demonstrated that the top priority issue is the protection of the natural environment. People want to keep the nature coast and halt urban sprawl. Primitive camp grounds allow visitors and locals alike to experience camping that is closer to nature.

We urge your department to change to rules as Eurobodalla Council suggests.

Jenny Edwards
Secretary.