CAMPERS will be able to enjoy Christmas at NSW's Danjera Dam
camping area at Yalwal after all.
Shoalhaven City Council
has decided to postpone its decision to close the facility on December 4
pending a review.
There has been a raft of complaints alleging anti-social behaviour
at the camping area, including firearm misuse, illegal trail bike
riding and group 4WD activities, vandalism and misuse of facilities,
unsafe behaviour involving vehicles and alcohol leading to serious
injuries and threats to campers and the adjoining landowner.
The
change of heart came after Mayor Amanda Findley met with several
representatives of the camping area's legitimate user groups.
"We
had a very positive discussion in which the concerns of council and the
concerns of legitimate and well-behaved user groups were aired," she said.
"The parties in attendance voiced a commitment and support to
assist council in any attempt to formalise the camping area - including a
pay-for-use process - and also to support regulatory activities to control
behaviour in the vicinity.
"Additional information was presented to
myself and the director of Shoalhaven Water regarding previous agreements
with National Parks and the possible impact on council’s commitments in
this area.
"Based on these and other discussions that have been had
with state government representatives I feel it would be worthwhile to
delay any formal closure of the camping area, particularly over the
Christmas period."
An up-to-date report will be presented to the
council next year.
Meanwhile, the council is being urged to take
immediate action to discourage ongoing illegal camping on Red Head
Villages beaches and reserves.
It plans to hire two mobile roadside
signs already in use on roadworks at Bendalong Road from December 15 to
January 31.
Mayor Findley said they would be located at the entry
to Bendalong near the Princes Highway to deter anyone proceeding further.
"The aim is for the community to be advised that they cannot free
camp in the Bendalong area," she said.
"Similar signage is used at
Booderee National Park to deter illegal camping.
"The signs
clearly show how to book camping and provide an alternative for
destination tourists."
She said the community had asked the
council to help alleviate some of the impacts of illegal camping.
"We will also be ensuring that rangers patrol this area and advise people
illegally camping that they need to find an alternative location.
"They will also be encouraged to book into established camping grounds in
the area."
