Temporary closure of five freedom camping sites

Christchurch City Council is temporarily closing all five of its restricted non-self-contained freedom camping sites and one self-contained site at French Farm.

French Farm camping sites will close today, 10 March to 31 May 2016. This applies to non-self-contained and self-contained freedom camping sites. The reserve and beach at French Farm are also closed to members of the public due to preliminary testing results received on 10 March 2016 which shows contamination of the beach.

The closures at Wainui, Addington Park car park, Lower Styx River and Windsport Park prohibit any form of freedom camping at the non-self-contained freedom camping restricted areas from 12pm 16 March to 31 May 2016.

Council Chief Executive Karleen Edwards says there are a number of issues that have made these sites unsafe for people and the local environments.

"The health and wellbeing of residents and freedom campers is important to the Council, so we are taking the responsible step of temporarily closing all five non-self-contained sites and one self-contained freedom camping site. This will see an immediate improvement at these sites," says Dr Edwards.

"The Council continues to welcome campers to the city and Banks Peninsula and encourages them to make use of the range of affordable camping grounds across the district."

Canterbury Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Alistair Humphrey, said "Health authorities welcome the action taken by Christchurch City Council as the safety of beach users, whether they are freedom campers or other visitors is paramount.”

Restricted freedom camping in self-contained vehicles remains in place for limited stays inside the city's urban boundaries – including urban and other areas on Banks Peninsula except for the self-contained site at French Farm – in accordance with the Council's Freedom Camping Bylaw introduced last year.

A detailed map of freedom camping boundaries and restrictions is available on the Council's website at ccc.govt.nz/camping

The Wainui, Addington Park car park, Lower Styx River and Windsport Park facilities will remain open to residents and visitors for daytime use. Only camping is prohibited.

The Council is currently providing information to freedom campers about the temporary closures and will closely monitor the sites over the period to ensure campers comply.

The Freedom Camping Act allows the Council to issue a fine of $200 if someone is found freedom camping, or making preparations to freedom camp, in a local authority area and in breach of the Council's bylaw, including temporarily closed sites.

The Council intends to review the closures in May.

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