23 February 2018

Cr MICHAEL LAWS

Dunstan Ward

Otago Regional Council

Otago Regional Council Gets Involved in Freedom Camping Issue

At the urging of councillors, the Otago Regional Council has signalled its intention to get involved in the freedom camping issue.

At the full Council meeting held at Balclutha this week, Cr Michael Laws (Dunstan) and Cr Carmen Hope (Clutha) successfully moved a resolution seeking the council’s formal involvement in the ‘Mayors’ Meeting’ to be hosted by the government next month.

“ The Freedom Camping Act 2011 gives regional as well as territorial authorities a role to play in managing freedom camping. Otago is one region that has been badly affected by the excesses of freedom camping behaviour over the past few years.

“ Although it was a late item for the council agenda, I was really pleased with
the unanimous support of my council colleagues. It’s an issue with distinct environmental and social consequences for our entire region,” said Cr Laws.

Cr Laws said that the Act was “plainly out of date and superseded by recent developments.

The truth is that Central Otago and the Lakes have lost patience, but Cr Hope reminded us that Clutha and Dunedin have also suffered excesses this past year.

We need to be around the table, and this motion signals a welcome desire for the ORC to get involved in any policy solution.”

ENDS

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