.png "Proposed changes to the Responsible Freedom Camping Bylaw")
Proposed Changes to the Responsible Freedom Camping Bylaw
Grey District Council is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the Freedom Camping Bylaw. The review has been undertaken to ensure the bylaw aligns with recent Government legislation, including new requirements for self-contained vehicles to have permanently fixed toilets and green warrant certification.
The proposed changes are designed to support responsible freedom camping while protecting the district's environment, public spaces, and communities. They also provide Council with greater flexibility to manage freedom camping areas during special events, seasonal pressures, or when temporary restrictions are needed to prevent damage.
In addition to legislative updates, the review includes changes to:
- camping duration limits,
- operating hours,
- mapped camping areas, and
- enforcement provisions.
The proposed amendments aim to provide clearer rules for:
- campers,
- improve consistency across sites,
- and ensure freedom camping continues to be managed effectively throughout the Grey District.
We encourage residents, visitors, businesses, and other interested parties to review the proposed changes and share their views. Your feedback will help inform Council's decision on the final bylaw.
| CHANGE | RATIONALE |
| Reference to Self-contained Motor Vehicles Legislation Act 2023 included in the Bylaw | New legislation since the bylaw was last reviewed |
| Definition of freedom camping has been expanded | To include situations where a person is not considered to be freedom camping. A person is not considered to be freedom camping if the person is unable to live in appropriate residential accommodation. This is to ensure that the rules are not used against homeless people |
| Change of night period from 8pm to 7am to 7pm to 8am | To make it easier for staff working in low light to see the vehicles |
| Updated definition of self-contained | Inclusion of permanently fixed toilet as per Self-contained Motor Vehicles legislation Act 2023 |
| The bylaw has restrictions on freedom camping duration - longer duration stays can be allowed at Council's discreation. Number of nights in any four-week consecutive period has been updated from two (2) to three (3) | To provide council the discretion to make allowances depending on circumstances. Change in night numbers to refelct actual practice and provide standardisation across sites |
| Ability to close or restrict freedom camping when considered necessary | To prevent damage to areas or during events. Reasonable notice must be given of temporary closures or restrictions |
| Updated clauses from the freedom Camping Act 2011 regarding penalties and offences | These were updates as part of the Self-contained Motor Vehicle Legislation Act 2023 |
| Update of Map 3 - Moana, Lake Brunner Foreshore | The current map includes the Yacht Club, which is not Council property and is privately owned. The new map excludes this area |
| Update of Map 4 and 4b - Cobden Breakwater and Sanctuary area | Map has been updated to use new aerial photos to reflect the current infrastructure in the area. |
| Update Map 9 - Cobden bridge area | Realignment of freedom camping area, including prevention of parking on the entrance/exit to the boat launch |
| Removal of reference to Lake Brunner Country Motel, Cabin and Campervan Park | No longer operating |
 (1).png)
.png "Proposed changes to the Responsible Freedom Camping Bylaw")
