Westbury Recreation Ground camping permit plan proposed

 Camping has been banned at the site since former councillor Rodney Synfield lodged a formal complaint about the informal use of the ground as a camping area, the council’s agenda said.

“Cr Synfield rightly pointed out that use of the recreation ground for any type of camping or visitor accommodation required a planning permit under the provisions Interim Meander Valley Planning Scheme 2013,” the agenda said.

The motion was put forward by Councillor John Temple. 

“Following the closure of the Westbury Recreation Ground to camping, I was approached by a number of local businesses owners and residents who were concerned about the impact it would have on local tourism and local businesses,” he said. 

“In talking with other local businesses in Westbury it was evident that when campers were camping at the Westbury Recreation Ground, they were contributing financially to the local businesses such as purchasing their petrol and groceries, getting haircuts, purchasing meat at the butchers and eating out.

“When the campers were evicted from the Westbury Recreation Ground this had a considerable financial impact on many of our local businesses. It is important to ensure the viability of our local business to ensure they are there when the locals need to use them.”

At the meeting, Cr Temple said this was the first step in trying to resolve this issue. 

Councillor Susie Bower said it had been a big issue for the region, which needed to be sorted so that the local economy did not miss out. 

Councillor Tania King also supported the motion. 

“I still hear on a daily basis that campers are missed. The community miss them and want them back,” she said. 

Camping at Bracknell was also banned.