New Freedom Camping Bylaw in place from 1 December

Christchurch City Council has approved a new Freedom Camping Bylaw to be in place from 1 December 2015.

Consultation on a proposed Freedom Camping Bylaw took place in September.

Councillors Andrew Turner, David East and Glenn Livingstone heard verbal submissions on the proposed bylaw in group discussions. This was a new approach to the hearings process where usually people would have five minutes each to present their views.

In a Council meeting held today, Councillor Turner outlined key changes to the original proposal.

Where self-contained camping in urban areas was restricted under the proposal to three days in a 30-day period, this is now two days.

North Ramp car park in New Brighton was proposed for non-self-contained freedom camping, but the panel decided to prohibit any freedom camping in this area and at South Ramp car park.

No non-self-contained freedom camping is allowed in Akaroa township and Cr Turner said there were many strong submissions about this.

In order to further explore cultural considerations in relation to the bylaw an additional meeting was held with Runanga and this resulted in further restrictions to freedom camping in Rapaki, Birdlings Flat, Onawe, Onuku, Port Levy and Takamatua.

Other areas also had prohibitions extended.

"We want this new bylaw to take affect from 1 December ready for the summer season to prevent a repeat of issues we have seen in past years," Cr Turner said.

Signs will be installed to show where freedom camping is allowed and restrictions that apply.

The Council asked staff to monitor the operation of the Freedom Camping Bylaw 2015 over the coming 2015/16 summer and provide a report to the Regulation and Consents Committee's April 2016 meeting.

Copies of the new Freedom Camping Bylaw 2015 will be available on the Council's website or can be obtained from a Council Service Centre, library or Civic Offices in Hereford Street.

New bylaws are usually reviewed after five years but the Council decided to review the Freedom Camping Bylaw in 2017 so it can manage any unexpected outcomes.

ENDS

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