For years the beachside streets of Ocean Shores, South Golden Beach and New Brighton have been a haven for van campers looking to park up for the night.
With signs prohibiting overnight parking virtually non-existent in the northern towns, the four-wheeled wanderers have been on easy street.
But it seems all that is about to change. Last week, Byron Council’s traffic committee voted unanimously to install 19 ‘no parking area 1–6am’ signs in some of the most popular parking spots.
The areas to get signage include Park Street and the Esplanade in New Brighton, Pacific Esplanade and Helen Street in South Golden Beach, and Shara Boulevard, Ocean Shores. Assuming the incoming councillors provide final sign-off on the plan, the signs are set to be installed in time for the annual van influx over summer. While the van folk are unlikely to be impressed, local house dwellers may be breathing a sigh of relief.
Regular complaints
Council staff say they receive regular complaints from northern shire residents about the practice during the warmer months.
‘At the northern end of the shire, illegal camping enforcement is practically non-existent owing to lack of signage,’ Council staff said in their report to last week’s meeting.
‘Because of this, these areas do not get patrolled often unless Council receives complaints.’
Staff said that, with parking restrictions increasing in Brunswick Heads as parking meters come into force, the quieter areas will become even more popular with campers.
No mention was made of the fact that a significant proportion of those living in vans in the shire are homeless locals rather than freeloading visitors.
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