Furious travellers protest

Government blamed for showground lockout

CARAVANNERS camped on a NSW showground have been given their marching orders.

Gunnedah Shire Council – which recently gained RV-Friendly status – says it has no option to evict them because its hands are tied after the NSW Government ordered it to lock the gates on travellers wanting to camp overnight.

Mayor Adam Marshall told Caravanning News: "Council has been directed to take this action and it is required to comply. We are attempting to expedite an approval for camping on the Reserve, pending approval from the NSW Government."

Furious caravanners and motorhomers have written to the council protesting about the showground lockout and warning that local traders could lose thousands of dollars if the town's RV-Friendly status is revoked.

Caravanners and other long-term campers on Gunnedah's showground have been handed letters from the council's Planning and Environmental Services director, Michael J Silver, telling them they must vacate the facility by January 8, 2012.

It explained that the council, as the Reserve Trust for the showground, had been told by the Department of Primary Industries – Catchment and Lands (formerly Crown Lands Department) that no itinerant camping is to be allowed.

"It should be noted that the direction also applies to the Showground Caravan Park. Consequently, it is not available for itinerant camping and can only be used for events associated with activities on the Showground Reserve," the letter said.

Mr Silver said the council was trying to obtain approval for limited itinerant camping on the Reserve in the vicinity of the Showground Caravan Park, but it was not thought this could be achieved before March.

"I understand the inconvenience this instruction may cause," Mr Silver said.

"However, Council as the Reserve Trust Manager for the Gunnedah Showground must abide by the directions of the NSW Department of Primary Industries – Catchment and Lands. I look forward to your co-operation," he added.

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