Responsible Camping Strategy to be considered

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Date:
Oct 19, 2018

On Thursday next week, Councillors will be asked to adopt a Responsible Camping Strategy that will deliver a multi-agency approach to responsible and sustainable camping in the Queenstown Lakes District.

QLDC Chief Executive Mike Theelen said the strategy covers all types of camping experiences and has been developed at pace to ensure it aligns with the soon to be announced actions for the busy Summer period ahead. 

“As a significant tourist destination, our district has experienced substantial growth of visitor numbers in recent years, many choosing to camp.  Unfortunately a small minority of campers have chosen to camp irresponsibly and last summer we heard a clear message from our local community that changes needed to be made to protect our environment and ensure everyone has good access to local spaces,” Mr Theelen said.

“This strategy responds to that message, setting out an agreed vision, goals and actions that will deliver a positive, memorable camping experience.  All while encouraging good behaviour, protecting our special environment and directly addressing the concerns of our residents,” he said.

The partners to this strategy include Queenstown Lakes District Council, Department of Conservation, New Zealand Transport Association, Land Information New Zealand and Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, as well as input from Central Otago and Southland District Councils.

Working towards a vision to Lead the way for sustainable and responsible camping in Aotearoa, the short, medium and long term actions address ways to control freedom camping, promote responsible camping, develop more opportunities for basic camping at low cost, how the agencies will work together and ensuring a responsive and agile approach.  

Mr Theelen said it was recognised very early in the piece that a range of agencies were involved in camping in the district and a unified approach was important.

“We are all facing similar challenges so it was really important that we could come together and commit to working as one to ensure a consistent approach and effective outcomes.  We are grateful for the commitment and input from our partner agencies and the participation by neighbouring councils to ensure a broader regional approach is taken,” he said. 

Department of Conservation’s Director Operations Southern South Island Aaron Fleming said “New Zealanders live in one of the most incredible places on Earth with an environment like no other.  To both protect the environment our communities and visitors enjoy and offer great visitor experiences such as camping, an approach of working together is logical. Working with the multiple agencies under the leadership of QLDC to develop a Responsible Camping Strategy has helped us all to understand the camping pressures for the district and the points where we can collaborate on the actions for better outcomes”.

Mr Fleming said the Department viewed the strategy as ongoing as well as the work needed to ensure the right balance is achieved which values the environment, our communities and visitors.

Graeme Hall, NZ Transport Agency Lower South Island System Manager said the Agency welcomes the greater structure and controls the strategy brings to the growing issue of freedom camping, which will have the support of communities and businesses in the Queenstown Lakes District.

“In the past our organisation has focused more on transport solutions to improve transport outcomes. Now it’s also on improving social, economic, and environmental outcomes, so it seemed logical to lend our support to this initiative, and do this by working alongside our partners to make it happen.’

Land Information New Zealand Group Manager Land and Property Jeremy Barr congratulated the council on finalising a proactive strategy to enhance the camping experience for visitors and locals.

“We really appreciate that the council invited LINZ to be involved from the start to help create this strategy,” said Mr Barr.

“Camping is ingrained in the New Zealand way of life, so we will continue to support a joint approach with all relevant agencies to guarantee Kiwis and visitors can continue to enjoy the great outdoors,” said Mr Barr.

If adopted, the Responsible Camping Strategy will provide a strong platform for the group to guide real sustainable change.  “Significant change won’t happen overnight, but it will happen,” Mr Theelen said.

Meanwhile in a separate agenda item, Councillors are also being asked to approve changes to the Queenstown Lakes District Council Freedom Camping Control Bylaw 2012 and Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Reserve Management Plan.  If approved, this will formalise overnight parking restrictions already in place for Lake Hayes and Shotover Delta to address community concern and provide improved public access to these areas.

 

ENDS

Agenda reports can be found here:

Changes to Queenstown Lakes District Council Freedom Camping Control Bylaw 2012 and Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Reserve Management Plan:  https://www.qldc.govt.nz//assets/Uploads/Council-Documents/Full-Council-Meetings/2018/25-October-2018/3.-Lake-Hayes-RMP-and-Freedom-Camping-Bylaw.pdf