Outrage as beloved Aussie camping spot faces sudden closure
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Local decisions can often spark heated debates, especially when they touch on long-standing traditions and cherished community practices.
What seemed like a routine council update has now become the centre of a growing controversy, leaving many residents feeling unheard and frustrated.
At the heart of the issue is a clash of priorities, raising questions about fairness, transparency, and the future of a beloved Australian pastime.
Families who’ve cherished decades of camping traditions on the picturesque waterfront at Brooms Head, 130 km south of Byron Bay, are set to lose their spots as Clarence Valley Council moves to prioritise day visitors.
The council is pushing forward with controversial plans to remove 34 campsites along the foreshore, citing overcrowding caused by large vehicles like 4WDs, RVs, and caravans.
They argue that the influx of modern camping equipment has eroded the 'simple camping experience' and created environmental concerns, particularly regarding wastewater management at the crown land site.
In its proposal, the council aims to create open spaces to better serve the broader community, claiming the area needs a 'greater balance' to accommodate increasing visitor numbers.
Ken Shephard, who has camped at the site with his family for 38 years, has condemned the council's decision, describing the lack of consultation as unjust.
'We’ve had no input, no consultation… it’s just wrong. We can’t get an honest answer,' said Shephard, spokesperson for the Brooms Campers and Caravanners Association.
He emphasised that campers contribute thousands of dollars to the local economy each season.
'There’s plenty of community space in Brooms Head,' Shephard added.
'Over Christmas, my daughter photographed the community areas, and at no stage were they full. There’s plenty of room for more visitors any day of the week.'
A significant point of contention is a 1987 council motion that stated camping sites would be phased out once their usage rights expired.
In 2021, the council removed 16 sites and now plans to shut down an additional 34.
However, Shephard argues this decision misinterprets the motion and conflicts with an existing Plan of Management for the area.
Council insists the changes are lawful, with general manager Laura Black stating they align with the original intent of the 1987 motion and legislative requirements.
She also highlighted that the changes reflect community desires for more open spaces and picnic facilities.
Last year, families were informed that the sites were no longer suitable for caravans, prompting many to invest in camper trailers or tents.
Now, they’ve been told all bookings will cease entirely from May.
For some, the loss is deeply personal.
'Brooms Head is the sole reason I moved my family from the Southern Highlands to the North Coast,' said camper Jethro Rockett.
'It’s where my partner and I first met — so much of our history is embedded here.'
Despite the backlash, the council continues to defend its decision, noting that affected campers can apply for other sites in Brooms Head that will remain open.
While many oppose the move, some community members support it.
'We don’t need caravan parks on the beach. I say best decision made in a long time,' one local shared online.
The debate highlights the challenges of balancing tradition, environmental concerns, and the growing demand for public spaces in some of Australia’s most treasured destinations.
Should preserving a cherished pastime take precedence over creating more public space, or is this a necessary step to adapt to changing demands? Let us know your thoughts below!
What seemed like a routine council update has now become the centre of a growing controversy, leaving many residents feeling unheard and frustrated.
At the heart of the issue is a clash of priorities, raising questions about fairness, transparency, and the future of a beloved Australian pastime.
Families who’ve cherished decades of camping traditions on the picturesque waterfront at Brooms Head, 130 km south of Byron Bay, are set to lose their spots as Clarence Valley Council moves to prioritise day visitors.
The council is pushing forward with controversial plans to remove 34 campsites along the foreshore, citing overcrowding caused by large vehicles like 4WDs, RVs, and caravans.
They argue that the influx of modern camping equipment has eroded the 'simple camping experience' and created environmental concerns, particularly regarding wastewater management at the crown land site.
In its proposal, the council aims to create open spaces to better serve the broader community, claiming the area needs a 'greater balance' to accommodate increasing visitor numbers.
Ken Shephard, who has camped at the site with his family for 38 years, has condemned the council's decision, describing the lack of consultation as unjust.
'We’ve had no input, no consultation… it’s just wrong. We can’t get an honest answer,' said Shephard, spokesperson for the Brooms Campers and Caravanners Association.
He emphasised that campers contribute thousands of dollars to the local economy each season.
'There’s plenty of community space in Brooms Head,' Shephard added.
'Over Christmas, my daughter photographed the community areas, and at no stage were they full. There’s plenty of room for more visitors any day of the week.'
A significant point of contention is a 1987 council motion that stated camping sites would be phased out once their usage rights expired.
In 2021, the council removed 16 sites and now plans to shut down an additional 34.
However, Shephard argues this decision misinterprets the motion and conflicts with an existing Plan of Management for the area.
Council insists the changes are lawful, with general manager Laura Black stating they align with the original intent of the 1987 motion and legislative requirements.
She also highlighted that the changes reflect community desires for more open spaces and picnic facilities.
Last year, families were informed that the sites were no longer suitable for caravans, prompting many to invest in camper trailers or tents.
Now, they’ve been told all bookings will cease entirely from May.
For some, the loss is deeply personal.
'Brooms Head is the sole reason I moved my family from the Southern Highlands to the North Coast,' said camper Jethro Rockett.
'It’s where my partner and I first met — so much of our history is embedded here.'
Despite the backlash, the council continues to defend its decision, noting that affected campers can apply for other sites in Brooms Head that will remain open.
While many oppose the move, some community members support it.
'We don’t need caravan parks on the beach. I say best decision made in a long time,' one local shared online.
The debate highlights the challenges of balancing tradition, environmental concerns, and the growing demand for public spaces in some of Australia’s most treasured destinations.
Should preserving a cherished pastime take precedence over creating more public space, or is this a necessary step to adapt to changing demands? Let us know your thoughts below!
