Informal camping on the foreshore of Lake Jindabyne in the NSW Snowy Mountains will be banned from today, due to an inability to ensure COVID-safe protocols are being followed.
Campers were known to stay at the Claypits Carpark in their vehicles during the busy winter and summer seasons, and although it operated like a campground, it was not formally considered one by the local council.
Because of this, the Snowy Monaro Regional Council found there was no means of providing and managing a COVID-safe plan for the Claypits under the Public Health Act.
"We did last year have the same issue [of informal camping] … but this year there just seems to be concentration at the Claypits," Mayor Peter Beer said.
"It certainly wasn't designed for long-term camping."
Influx of informal camping
The Claypits Carpark is not the only informal campground affected by the new rule.
Informal camping in carparks, streets, reserves and lake foreshores within Jindabyne, Tyrolean Village, East Jindabyne and Kalkite will not be allowed for the remainder of the year.
Council said the influx of campers has led to increased use, and sometimes misuse, of nearby amenities, which had created more cleaning for staff.
"Council has been aware of this for some years, but it hasn't been a great problem," Mr Beer said.
"People have moved on very quickly and there's only been small numbers.
"But this year has seen a complete change."
Not just about the money
Seasonal worker Francisco Biquard has been camping at the Claypits in Jindabyne not only because it is affordable, but because he feels safe.
"I couldn't secure a place. The bonds were way too high and they were meant to be overcrowded by people … I don't know how that's COVID-safe," he said.
"I'm much happier living in my van, away from people I don't know."
Last year Mr Biquard rented an apartment for $1,300 a week which he had to share with five other people.
He was working full-time but struggled to save any money.
"This season I decided to sacrifice a little bit of my living luxury, like having a warm place to go and a warm shower every night, to live at the Claypits in my van," he said.
Police and Rangers are expected to patrol informal campgrounds and issue infringement notices.
Fines may also be handed out to people who do not comply with new signage that states 'no camping'.
Council said it will further consider the regulations next year.
