The Council’s Regulatory and Planning Committee decided today to recommend that the Council adopts a three-stage plan for managing freedom camping in the city over the next three years.
The draft Management Plan is aligned to the Christchurch Visitors’ Strategy and balances the needs of visitors with the needs of locals.
The Plan proposes three stages: An initial marketing campaign for the 2010/11 tourism season encouraging campers to stay in camping grounds; a review of this approach next year to determine if any legislative changes are required; and evaluating any changes to determine if further adjustments are needed.
The chair of the Regulatory and Planning Committee, Sue Wells, says the Council wishes to enhance visitor safety and protect the environment.
“Parking on the road overnight compromises safety and we would prefer campers to stay in holiday parks, camping grounds or other accommodation providers,” she says.
