Further freedom camping restrictions for Bay

Photo/File

Western Bay District Council is looking at reviewing its freedom camping bylaw, restricting or prohibiting access to some popular sites.

A 'drop in day' providing the opportunity to discuss possible changes to freedom camping regulations in the Western Bay is being held at Waihi Beach on July 18.

Following concerns raised during Western Bay District Council's Long Term Plan process, a decision was made to review the Freedom Camping Bylaw.

The bylaw was adopted by the council in 2012 under the Freedom Camping Act 2011, with amendments made in 2014.

Council reserves and facilities manager Peter Watson said a number of people had since expressed concerns about freedom camping at Anzac Bay.

As a result the council had agreed to review the bylaw in this area, where freedom camping was currently 'restricted' to a small area of the Domain.

Mr Watson said the feedback received from people at the drop in day would help the council determine whether the review continues, and if so what changes should be made.

Several sites where freedom camping was currently permitted under the bylaw would also be considered as part of the review. These sites may be either listed as prohibited or restricted areas. Some existing restricted sites could also be amended.

"If council agrees to amend the bylaw the draft will be released for public consultation during August and September 2015," Mr Watson said.

"People will have the opportunity then to comment on the proposed amendments and speak directly with councillors if they want to."

Any adopted changes would come into effect when the bylaw is adopted - likely to be late 2015 or in the New Year.

The drop in day is open to anyone, from 10am-12pm at the Waihi Beach Community Centre, 102 Beach Road, Waihi Beach.

Anyone unable to attend but wishing to provide feedback can do so before Friday, 24 July 2015.

Freedom Camping Sites - Prohibit or restrictions to be applied
* The Esplanade reserve Omokoroa (including Beach Grove Recreation Reserve) from south western end to Omokoroa Boat Ramp
* Ngaumuwahine Local Purpose Esplanade reserves
* Panepane Point, Matakana Island
* Area between Wairoa River and road adjacent to Pukewhanake and Railway bridge - Te Puna Station Road
* Area immediately north of Wairoa River bridge between river and Te Puna Station Road
Lund Road Reserve (Forestry Block)

Freedom Camping Sites - Amend bylaw
* Pohutukawa Park (actual site located at Waihi Beach Surf Club Reserve)
* Park Road Katikati (currently restricted but newly discovered archaeological sites requires the need to prohibit freedom camping)

Post your feedback to Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Private Bag 12803, Tauranga 3143, email john.rauputu@westernbay.govt.nz or phone 07 579 6649.
To view the current Bylaw and associated maps please visit www.westernbay.govt.nz.