Thursday, 12 March 2015

Council meeting key decisions

Christchurch City Council met today and made the following decisions:

Freedom Camping

Council resolved to continue to address any freedom camping issues that arise on a case by case basis while at the same time investigate the option of introducing a new freedom camping bylaw under the Freedom Camping Act 2011. Current bylaws already exist but are sometimes managed within the Parks and Reserves bylaw and sometimes under the traffic and Parking bylaw. The investigation will include identifying some potential sites that may be appropriate for freedom campers to use. If a bylaw is recommended the Council will be provided with that recommendation before any decision on a bylaw is made.

Inspections and Enforcements Unit Manager Anne Columbus says it is important freedom campers know what the rules are.

“Introducing a bylaw that is specific to freedom camping will help us to manage any public nuisance factors but also help to let freedom campers know what is expected so that residents and freedom campers’ needs are both met.

“We will be working with the local communities about this and will be giving people the opportunity to participate in discussions about long term approaches, like a bylaw and other non-regulatory options such as providing freedom camping spaces under a given set of conditions.

“These types of initiatives have been successful in balancing freedom camping and local community expectations in other cities in New Zealand”, says Ms Columbus.

As a temporary solution, the Council has identified an area, the North Brighton Beachcarpark, and will be trialling this for a short period. The area will be monitored and rubbish and toilets cleared more regularly while the trial is on.

“Of course the Council will always advise freedom campers to use bona fide camp grounds first. But by encouraging freedom campers into dedicated areas, whether it’s through bylaw or other non-regulatory ways, it takes the pressure off the toilets, car parks and other community facilities in our district.”

Sister Cities

The Council agreed that the Mayor is authorised on behalf of the Council to sign an agreement to enter a strategic relationship with Shenzhen and also sign and agreement reaffirming our Sister City relationship with Gansu when the Mayor is in China later this month.

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