4 July 2013

Circular Head General Manager Greg Winton has today announced that Council will be commencing an expressions of interest process for the establishment and operation of a ‘freedom camping’ area for recreational vehicles at Stanley.

“Council has done a comprehensive review of the areas available for camping by recreational vehicles across the Municipal Area, which has resulted in a number of proposed solutions,” Mr Winton said.

“One of these is the establishment of a camping area at the axeman’s chopping arena contained within the Stanley Recreational Grounds.

“Following consultations with the Stanley Cabin and Tourist Park and the Northern Area Management Committee, it has been agreed that it would be an appropriate site for overnight camping of fully self contained recreational vehicles, providing the area was made available for annual Circular Head rural show activities.”

Mr Winton said a minimal fee would be charged to camp at the site and it would need to be made available for a two week period leading up to and during the Circular Head Agricultural Show in early December each year.

“Use of the site will not impact on residential property and yet will provide ‘freedom campers’ with access to the beach, a walking trail and other amenities,” Mr Winton said.

“This approach will promote and implement a form of regulation over a site suitable for self contained recreational vehicles and will give certainty to recreational vehicle users, the Stanley community and may help expand the Circular Head region’s tourism visitation numbers and enhance the touring visitors’ experience of the area.”

Mr Winton said the camping area would also assist in alleviating concerns raised about ‘freedom camping’ in Stanley.

It is recommended that Council seek a three (3) year lease agreement with the chosen operator for use and management of the site as a ‘freedom camping’ site for fully self contained recreational vehicles.

Once established the camping area will be promoted to the relevant recreational vehicle and camping associations and other tourism bodies.

Mr Winton said by entering into a lease agreement, Council will mitigate the risk of not complying with the requirements of the Economic Regulator and will provide certainty in relation to ‘freedom camping’ in Stanley.

Expressions of interest to establish and operate the freedom camping area are expected to be advertised later this month.

For more information contact the Circular Head Council on 6452 4800.