Byron loves you but if you can’t pay then don’t stay

Published on 20 December 2018

While many people are preparing for a summer holiday, Byron Shire Council’s enforcement staff will be working through the Christmas - New Year period, to target illegal camping. 

Illegal camping is a major problem in the Byron Shire particularly at this time of year.

Shannon Burt, Director Sustainable Environment and Economy, said staff will be issuing fines to people caught camping illegally, or sleeping in their cars.

“There are 15 legal campgrounds in the Byron Shire and many have very reasonable rates, even at this time of year, so our message to people is that if they are coming to Byron for a holiday they need to pay to stay,” Ms Burt said.

“Residents are sick and tired of people pulling up outside their houses, near the beach, or in bushland and setting up camp without any proper facilities.

“In many cases there are no toilets or bins so people are defecating and urinating in the bush or in public areas and leaving their rubbish there as well.

“It’s disgusting, creates health hazards and also pollutes our beautiful environment,” Ms Burt said.

“What we have are large numbers of people coming to the Byron Shire to experience our beautiful beaches and bushland; they are then staying illegally, polluting the area with their human waste and rubbish, not contributing to the economy and ruining it for everyone else.

“There is also the danger of campfires getting out of control.

“Illegal camping is a particular problem around Brunswick Heads and Broken Head and these will be priority areas for our enforcement teams this Christmas and New Year,” Ms Burt said.

Staff will be working a rotating roster to enable early starts and late finishes, seven days a week, over the busy holiday period.

The fines for illegal camping range from an on-the-spot fine of $110 per person to a maximum $2200.

“For significant breaches, or for repeat offenders, Council will not hesitate to issue Court Attendance Notices which have a maximum penalty of up to $110,000,” Ms Burt said.

Residents who wish to report illegal campers are asked to go to the Report It tab on Council’s website, www.byron.nsw.gov.au or call 6626 7000.

For more information or interviews contact Shannon Burt, Director Sustainable Environment and Economy or Phil Holloway, Acting General Manager, on 6626 7000.