Wollongong City Council says it can't stop campers despite sign banning camping

In recent weeks, dozens of campers have been occupying car park spaces at the Austinmer boat ramp overnight or for a number of days, and in anything from motor homes to tents to a removalist truck. 

French tourist Charlotte Deslandre was among those camping at the boat ramp on Wednesday. She has been there with her partner for a week. 

“It’s such a good spot here,” she said. 

“We are right in front of the beach and there are showers and toilets for free.” 

The influx of holiday campers before Christmas prompted complaints from fishermen who use the ramp, one of whom said last week he had been unable to access the boat ramp due to the congestion.

Council rangers have since warned campers, sparking a more conscious effort on their part to stay clear of boat ramp parking areas and to park appropriately. 

On December 24 a council spokesperson told the Mercury, ‘‘There are no regulatory signs prohibiting camping at Austinmer’s boat ramp. Therefore it is not illegal for people to stay in their vehicles overnight.’’

A reader commented online that there was in fact a sign near the boat ramp prohibiting overnight camping, which the Mercury confirmed on New Year’s Eve.

However, a Wollongong City Council spokesperson still maintained that rangers were unable to stop people camping.

‘‘There is no signage there that prohibits people from camping ... but our rangers have actually been there and spoken to people,’’ the spokesperson said.

‘‘Basically the only thing we can enforce there is parking correctly and [for people] not to leave rubbish.’’

Another camper, Pedro Mispiaccegui from Panania, was hoping the campers would be allowed to stay.

 “I can see the sign there so I park my van out of the way,” he said. 

“We are no trouble.”