9 February 2017

Media Release

Gates planned at Reilly Street freedom camping area

The Tasman District Council will install gates and a gravel bund to block vehicle access to the informal Reilly Street freedom camping area, in response to concerns about pollution, noise and public safety.

The Council’s Environment and Planning Committee chairman Tim King said use of the area by freedom campers and other permanent occupants at the Takaka River end of Reilly Street had reached unforeseen levels this summer, with reports of up to 400 people staying there at any one time.

“After consultation with the land owner and Community Board the only practical solution open to us to address freedom camping on private land at Reilly Street is to block vehicles from entering the site. The public will still be able to get to the river for swimming and recreation on foot.

“Because we don’t own all the land, we have no legal powers to trespass people or to use the provisions of the Freedom Camping Act – which applies only to public land. In discussions with the landowner, we’ve agreed the gates and bund are the best option open to us.”

Cr King said signs alerting people to the change were likely to be installed in the next month. The gates would be in place by 1 April 2017, in order to give those who have set up permanent camp the chance to find other accommodation.

“This isn’t a total solution to problems associated with freedom camping in Golden Bay but it will help address the issues at Reilly Street. We’re reviewing our freedom camping bylaw this year, and also hoping for some greater assistance and direction from central Government, so work is ongoing to identify the best way to manage freedom camping in Tasman District.”

ENDS

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