URGENT UPDATE: The Eurobodalla Shire Council has just scrapped a controversial camping proposal at Corrigans Beach Reserve following overwhelming community opposition. At a meeting held on August 24, 2023, councillors voted unanimously to restrict camping at the popular beachfront park solely to security personnel for major events.
The decision comes after a significant backlash from local residents who raised serious concerns about the proposal’s potential impact on safety, local businesses, and the community’s quality of life. A petition spearheaded by resident Renee Carver garnered 400 signatures against the camping initiative, highlighting the urgent need for the council to listen to its constituents.
In her passionate appeal, Carver questioned, “What about the safety of our kids while using the park? What about the Batemans Bay brand?” She emphasized that the area already has sufficient accommodation options, stating, “There’s a glut of accommodation capacity outside the two weeks of the Christmas peak season across the whole of the Eurobodalla Shire.”
The proposal, initially part of the Hanging Rock, Corrigans Beach and Observation Point Plan of Management, included plans for occasional camping, which residents feared could lead to unforeseen consequences. Fellow resident Carrie Ann Benton voiced her concerns during the public forum, arguing that free camping would unfairly disadvantage local businesses. “There is a good reason why commercial caravan parks exist in the region instead of having free or near-free RV caravan and camping: it’s low yield,” Benton stated.
Another resident, Margaret Pugh, cautioned against replicating issues faced at Moruya’s North Head Campground, where some campers have overstayed indefinitely. Pugh urged the council to consider the broader implications of allowing camping in centrally located reserves.
In response to the community’s outcry, the council amended the plan to specify that ‘event camping’ would be limited strictly to security purposes, with the site available for emergency accommodation only during state-declared disasters. This revised Plan of Management has now been officially adopted by the council.
The Caravan and Camping Industry Association of NSW expressed gratitude for the council’s engagement with stakeholders. Corinne East commended the decision to clarify the terms of camping, emphasizing that this ensures the site will serve only for event security personnel. “This definition is critical,” East remarked, “as it allows for a rapid response to incidents without the risk of casual camping misinterpretation.”
As the community celebrates this significant victory, residents are left to wonder what changes this decision will bring for the future of Corrigans Beach Reserve. The council’s ability to balance community needs with potential development will be closely monitored in the coming months.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
