Freedom camping feedback available online

Queenstown Lakes District Council has received a significant amount of feedback in an online poll asking how freedom camping should be managed in the district.

Over 1,000 people completed the survey and QLDC Mayor Jim Boult is pleased to see such a strong turnout from the community.

“To see such a high level of feedback on this issue shows how strongly the community feels about freedom camping. To receive over 1000 submissions is impressive to say the least, and makes this one of the most popular issues we’ve ever sought feedback about.”

“We’ve seen a wide range of solutions offered up by locals, visitors and campers themselves. This will inform the Council as we look to review our rules and to develop a multi-agency camping strategy for the district,” said Mayor Boult.

QLDC will be reviewing its Freedom Camping Control Bylaw and relevant aspects of its Reserves Management Plans later this year. At the same time it is in discussion with government agencies (DoC, LINZ, NZTA, MBIE) to develop a camping strategy and ways of providing funding and/or support for more facilities throughout the district.

This will build on moves made by QLDC in February to restrict overnight vehicular access to both Lake Hayes and the Shotover Delta, whilst instituting a wheel clamping programme on the Wanaka Lakefront.

A summary of the information provided is now available on the QLDC website - http://www.qldc.govt.nz/your-council/your-views/freedom-camping-feedback/

ENDS

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