Freedom Camping Bylaw in Hanmer Springs under review

The Freedom Camping Bylaw in Hanmer Springs is being reviewed, and may result freedom campers having to move to another part of Hanmer Springs.

Last year, Councillors requested from Council officers a report on the process of reviewing a Bylaw including approximate costings and timeframes. In addition, it included looking at the legal considerations and logistical issues of potentially prohibiting freedom camping at the Hanmer Springs War Memorial Carpark site, and providing two additional freedom camping parks at the Chisholm Carpark site.

Officers advised that although feasible, this review would come at a cost of $20,000.

Council resolved that alongside the Long Term Plan 2021-31 process, it would look to consult on shifting the freedom camping areas within Hanmer Springs village.

The Freedom Camping Bylaw came into effect in September 2018, and changes were made to it in August 2019 and April 2020.