Would-be campers have been warned not to pitch a tent and sleep in Wollongong’s parks during the Christmas-New Year period, ahead of a joint council-police crackdown on illegal behaviour.
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Many of the city’s beachside parks and reserves, including North Wollongong’s Stuart Park, are transformed into tent cities over the festive season – with New Year’s Eve a popular night for a sleepover under the stars.
However, Wollongong City Council rules – outlined on warning signs throughout the tent-city hot spots – stipulate that camping is prohibited, unless specified.
The outdoor rules even extend to shade shelters being erected in parks and reserves – they can be put up during the day, but have to be taken down by 6pm.
The council has warned that its rangers and NSW Police officers will patrol the areas to monitor illegal activity and enforce the no-camping rules.
Rangers will also keep an eye on parking.
Meanwhile, Wollongong lord mayor Gordon Bradbery urged revellers to “leave our parks, reserves and beaches in the same condition as you found them”.
“If the bins are full please don’t just leave the rubbish lying around where it can end up on the beach or in waterways. Take it with you and place it in your household bins,” Cr Bradbery said.
WHAT’S ALLOWED
- Shade structures or tents are allowed during the day, but must be down by 6pm
WHAT’S NOT
- Camping in parks and reserves is prohibited at all times, unless specified.
Andrew Pearson
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
