I think it was an emotive discussion showing lots of angles and differing opinions, I can appreciate both sides of the arguement.
I think the councillor's response was excellent and I commend it whether I agree or not doesn't matter.
I will exercise my right to find a cheap or free spot to camp and route my travel accordingly.
-- Edited by jetj on Monday 17th of September 2012 03:51:34 PM
briche said
04:44 PM Sep 17, 2012
I have decieded to put this post out as a new one even though it really is a follow on from the original post to ensure those who wish to can read and understand where I was coming from in the first place.
"As the one that seemed to have started this onslaught of free camps I must apologize that it blew up into what in the end was a full on attack on the local council and councils generally. I have no problems with the councillors comments, if fact some of the points she makes are very relevant to the word " free " . As was said, nothing is free, somebody has to pay for those facilities and in fact it's not the traveller but the rate payers of the local area. I, like all of us want to travel for the lowest cost possible but that is not always going to be the case. In the end you take what comes and at whatever cost and grin and bear it, you don't have to like it but there it is. The point I made at the start of all this was to just report a change to the availability for overnight at Kennedy Store, no more, no less. Ther was no intent on my part to add fuel to the topic that at times seems to envelop the whole topic of free camping. The one aspect that I saw come out of this is the term " independent camping" . It does better embrace the lconcept of living this life style and I for one would like to embrace that rather than "free camping". As was stated, smaller towns do, in the main, go out of their way to embrace the traveller, for example, Home Hill, Babinda, etc to a large effort than the larger towns and cities. To be fair about it, those locations are no so vulnerable and therefore don't need to rely on the traveller quite so much. That is just a fact of life and while at times I have been out of sorts about it, that's the way it was and if I don't like it, move on. I'm sorry if I am having a follow up rant here but I felt that the whole thing just got out of control and that was something that I never intended. Thanks, Brian And Cheryl. "
ChrisandPeter said
04:52 PM Sep 17, 2012
Well said Brian and Cheryl. Thanks for the original info on the availabilty at Kennedy Store. I really value the info on this forum and often search places that we intend to go, so all info on the current state of sites is valuable. We also enjoy "independent camping" but are happy to pay when necessary. C u out there sometime soon!
Santa said
06:10 PM Sep 17, 2012
PeterInSa wrote:
Brian, All Why the term "Independent Camping" and Not "Freedom Camping" ie Freedom to make a decision on where to stay the night, whether it be a rest area , bush camp, National Park or CP. To me Independent camping is for Vanners/motorhomers who are independent, ie have solar/water/on board toilet/Grey water tanks. many of us have such a setup and use our own facilities, but are a small minority of the RV touring fraternity.
I think Independent Camping is a reasonable term for Motorhomes and big Campervans, 90% probaly meet the independent criteria, but we need a term that covers both Mhs and caravans ie a united front to those who have other objectives.
I realise that Fredom has the dreaded word "Free" as part of it, but we need to agree on a common term and reasons why, and broadcast it far and wide.
Peter
G'Day Peter,
The terms Independent or freedom camping will invariably need some explanation to the uninitiated listener, free camping on the other hand needs no explaining, the listener immediately thinks "ahhh, another cheapskate too mean to pay for a spot in a van park"
We have a self contained MH and free camp whenever possible, we are able to stay out for about 4 or 5 nights before we need a dump point or fresh water, we much prefer the seclusion of the bush without the constant comings and goings of a van park, and as far as these roadside rest area's where large numbers of nomads seem to gather from about 2pm onward, most definitely not for us, I fail to see the attraction of camping beside a main highway (with constant road noise and a single toilet to service 50 or more vans)
Sadly many who have gone before us have taken the term free camping a little too literally and felt free to crap behind every available tree and leave large quantities of tissue blowing around the country side and just chuck dirty nappies and rubbish into the scrub, I've even come across area's where people have done mechanical work, dumped oil on the ground, and left old oil filters and parts laying around.
To me free camping means peace and quiet, fresh air, magnificent sunsets and brilliant starlit skies along with the odd visit by local roo's, emu's, dingo's and ever present bird life.
Everything we take into a site leaves with us again, the only sign we have visited is our tyre tracks.
Whatever you like to call it, we will continue to camp this way as long as it's still legal.
As an afterthought, when we seek out a dump point and water, the local business community invariably benefits, as we take the opportunity to stock up on supplies, refuel etc, we may even seek out a coffee shop and indulge our passion for coffee and cake.
-- Edited by Santa on Monday 17th of September 2012 06:52:07 PM
ROWDYRABBIT1 said
08:01 PM Sep 17, 2012
I agree 100% with your comments and as you said the smaller towns are the ones that go out of their way to help a traveller that is the area,s i like to support ,becaus if we support them they will be there in the future instead of the whole towns dieing ,plus i think they are have a better humour than citie folk ROD
biggles said
08:18 PM Sep 17, 2012
Howdy ROWDY ..
Free camp at Dumaresq Dam just out of Armidale is a lovely spot .. being a water-catchment area, no pets are allowed however .. but .. it was cold .. -1 .. -3 .. & -4 .. so I left !!
Heading into Coffs on Wednesday to get vehicle serviced .. then heading further south !
Regards to all with you ..
Jon
jules47 said
10:28 PM Sep 17, 2012
Well said Brian - the whole subject exploded - without people being aware of the full facts. The councillors letter was courteous and to the point. One point however, Home Hill was pretty down until they opened the Rest Stop -my friend lives there, so I do know - and we support the shops there because we appreciate the comforts.
Hope this sees the end of the discussion, which could get out of hand. I am sure Cindy will police it.
And I like "independent camping" as well - maybe we should all just start calling it that - might catch on, eh
Hylda&Jon said
11:18 PM Sep 17, 2012
I have been unable to access forums for a while so I missed the free camp thread till now but one comment by Cr Kylie Farinelli of the Cassowary Coast Regional Council in the earlier thread really peeves me off:
"It amazes me that some of these travellers travel around in $100,000, $200,000 and $500,000 motorhomes yet they can't afford $30 for a site in a park".
I've heard similar statements like this far too often about nomads. not only with the expensive rigs like the councillor alluded to but also the smaller and cheaper setups that most of us have.
How many people have you & I known that have invested up to nearly their last cent on their dream caravan/campervan, just leaving enough for emergencies, then, living week to week relying on only their pension or maybe a bit of superanuation as an extra. Any way to save the odd dollar is very welcomed.
Cheers
Jon
jimbo said
11:25 PM Sep 17, 2012
Kennedy's store......Is it so hard to put the State it belongs in.....And I don't trust or like Councilers Remeber a couple of years ago a Councilor (Female) want on a fact finding mission...Still waiting for a reply I emailed Cindy last Month and no answer...I think her name was Federal MP Joanna gash
Sorry if some don't like my comment.........Why should'nt I expect free camping spots for over nighters only
PeterInSa said
11:32 PM Sep 17, 2012
Brian, All Why the term "Independent Camping" and Not "Freedom Camping" ie Freedom to make a decision on where to stay the night, whether it be a rest area , bush camp, National Park or CP. To me Independent camping is for Vanners/motorhomers who are independent, ie have solar/water/on board toilet/Grey water tanks. many of us have such a setup and use our own facilities, but are a small minority of the RV touring fraternity.
I think Independent Camping is a reasonable term for Motorhomes and big Campervans, 90% probaly meet the independent criteria, but we need a term that covers both Mhs and caravans ie a united front to those who have other objectives.
I realise that Fredom has the dreaded word "Free" as part of it, but we need to agree on a common term and reasons why, and broadcast it far and wide.
Peter
gordon_adl said
01:33 AM Sep 18, 2012
Very well said santa.
jules47 said
01:36 AM Sep 18, 2012
What Santa said!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happywanderer said
02:23 AM Sep 18, 2012
What she said!!!!!!!
Santa said
02:31 AM Sep 18, 2012
Crikey, yer a talkative lot ain'y ya? three posts ten words all up, guess you don't wan't to wear out your keyboards.
Happywanderer said
02:33 AM Sep 18, 2012
No, just don't want to get involved in the controversy. I just free camp and thats it. No big deal.
rockylizard said
02:40 AM Sep 18, 2012
Gday...
I'm with the verbose posters immediately above this well sed Santa (wot ya got me for Xmas???)
cheers - John
jules47 said
02:06 PM Sep 18, 2012
Santa wrote:
Crikey, yer a talkative lot ain'y ya? three posts ten words all up, guess you don't wan't to wear out your keyboards.
Hi Santa - there has been so much written about this subject, on this post and another one previously - it is just repeating over and over what has been said - think we should all agree that we either do or do not free camp, and take the spots available as they come up - wherever they are - we tend to travel from one camp to the other, but if we have to we go to a caravan park.
Can't fully blame councils - some people are just pigs and leave camps a mess etc. Makes it bad for all of us.
sandsmere said
02:14 PM Sep 18, 2012
G'day Brian and Cheryl ,
Don't worry , you did not start the onslaught on free camps . It's been on many of these types of forums for many years .
It is a subject that gets emotions going , but that's human nature . We are set up to free camp for weeks at a time if we want too .
Sometimes we stay in CPs for various reasons , but not often .
We tend to bypass RV unfriendly towns , and stay and spend in the more friendly places . We will continue to do this . I refuse to be pushed into a CP if that is not what we want to do .
briche said
03:13 PM Sep 18, 2012
:smile
briche said
03:15 PM Sep 18, 2012
Info sharing is our main interest here
But has been great to eat several GNs while on the road
Maybe we will catch up some time
briche said
03:19 PM Sep 18, 2012
Safe travels!
Yes, it's good the council responded and so quickly, their view s obviously biased to support their case
Hopefully the Home Hill and Bbinda examples will encourage councils to see us in a better light
Cheryl
briche said
03:20 PM Sep 18, 2012
Travel safe Rod!
Happywanderer said
04:29 PM Sep 18, 2012
briche wrote:
Info sharing is our main interest here But has been great to eat several GNs while on the road Maybe we will catch up some time
No way!! If you are eating the GNs that fast I'm staying away. lol
neilnruth said
09:49 PM Sep 18, 2012
Yes, Brian and Cheryl - please don't 'eat' the grey nomads you meet. At least your typo gave us a laugh. Travel safe and enjoy the places you stay. What a great forum - lots of discussion but no nastiness.
Sheba said
03:10 AM Sep 19, 2012
Posted this already over the page, but in case you've missed it,
I must apologise if my Post escalated things with regard to "independant" camping too. I can't find the original paragraph that prompted me to do so, but this is the closest I can find to it now. The original had a very large fine mentioned, which I thought was outrageous and prompted my response.
"Those camping outside designated camping grounds can be reported to Council. A Council officer will investigate the complaint and may issue a notice. Should people continue to breach the notice, a fine may be issued."
I think it was an emotive discussion showing lots of angles and differing opinions, I can appreciate both sides of the arguement.
I think the councillor's response was excellent and I commend it whether I agree or not doesn't matter.
I will exercise my right to find a cheap or free spot to camp and route my travel accordingly.
-- Edited by jetj on Monday 17th of September 2012 03:51:34 PM
Thanks for the original info on the availabilty at Kennedy Store.
I really value the info on this forum and often search places that we intend to go, so all info on the current state of sites is valuable.
We also enjoy "independent camping" but are happy to pay when necessary.
C u out there sometime soon!
G'Day Peter,
The terms Independent or freedom camping will invariably need some explanation to the uninitiated listener, free camping on the other hand needs no explaining, the listener immediately thinks "ahhh, another cheapskate too mean to pay for a spot in a van park"
We have a self contained MH and free camp whenever possible, we are able to stay out for about 4 or 5 nights before we need a dump point or fresh water, we much prefer the seclusion of the bush without the constant comings and goings of a van park, and as far as these roadside rest area's where large numbers of nomads seem to gather from about 2pm onward, most definitely not for us, I fail to see the attraction of camping beside a main highway (with constant road noise and a single toilet to service 50 or more vans)
Sadly many who have gone before us have taken the term free camping a little too literally and felt free to crap behind every available tree and leave large quantities of tissue blowing around the country side and just chuck dirty nappies and rubbish into the scrub, I've even come across area's where people have done mechanical work, dumped oil on the ground, and left old oil filters and parts laying around.
To me free camping means peace and quiet, fresh air, magnificent sunsets and brilliant starlit skies along with the odd visit by local roo's, emu's, dingo's and ever present bird life.
Everything we take into a site leaves with us again, the only sign we have visited is our tyre tracks.
Whatever you like to call it, we will continue to camp this way as long as it's still legal.
As an afterthought, when we seek out a dump point and water, the local business community invariably benefits, as we take the opportunity to stock up on supplies, refuel etc, we may even seek out a coffee shop and indulge our passion for coffee and cake.
-- Edited by Santa on Monday 17th of September 2012 06:52:07 PM
I agree 100% with your comments and as you said the smaller towns are the ones that go out of their way to help a traveller that is the area,s i like to support ,becaus if we support them they will be there in the future instead of the whole towns dieing ,plus i think they are have a better humour than citie folk ROD
Howdy ROWDY ..
Free camp at Dumaresq Dam just out of Armidale is a lovely spot .. being a water-catchment area, no pets are allowed however .. but .. it was cold .. -1 .. -3 .. & -4 .. so I left !!
Heading into Coffs on Wednesday to get vehicle serviced .. then heading further south !
Regards to all with you ..
Jon
Hope this sees the end of the discussion, which could get out of hand. I am sure Cindy will police it.
And I like "independent camping" as well - maybe we should all just start calling it that - might catch on, eh
I have been unable to access forums for a while so I missed the free camp thread till now but one comment by Cr Kylie Farinelli of the Cassowary Coast Regional Council in the earlier thread really peeves me off:
"It amazes me that some of these travellers travel around in $100,000, $200,000 and $500,000 motorhomes yet they can't afford $30 for a site in a park".
I've heard similar statements like this far too often about nomads. not only with the expensive rigs like the councillor alluded to but also the smaller and cheaper setups that most of us have.
How many people have you & I known that have invested up to nearly their last cent on their dream caravan/campervan, just leaving enough for emergencies, then, living week to week relying on only their pension or maybe a bit of superanuation as an extra. Any way to save the odd dollar is very welcomed.
Cheers
Jon
Kennedy's store......Is it so hard to put the State it belongs in.....And I don't trust or like Councilers Remeber a couple of years ago a Councilor (Female) want on a fact finding mission...Still waiting for a reply I emailed Cindy last Month and no answer...I think her name was Federal MP Joanna gash
Sorry if some don't like my comment.........Why should'nt I expect free camping spots for over nighters only
Why the term "Independent Camping" and Not "Freedom Camping" ie Freedom to make a decision on where to stay the night, whether it be a rest area , bush camp, National Park or CP. To me Independent camping is for Vanners/motorhomers who are independent, ie have solar/water/on board toilet/Grey water tanks. many of us have such a setup and use our own facilities, but are a small minority of the RV touring fraternity.
I think Independent Camping is a reasonable term for Motorhomes and big Campervans, 90% probaly meet the independent criteria, but we need a term that covers both Mhs and caravans ie a united front to those who have other objectives.
I realise that Fredom has the dreaded word "Free" as part of it, but we need to agree on a common term and reasons why, and broadcast it far and wide.
Peter
Crikey, yer a talkative lot ain'y ya? three posts ten words all up, guess you don't wan't to wear out your keyboards.
I just free camp and thats it. No big deal.
Gday...
I'm with the verbose posters immediately above this
well sed Santa (wot ya got me for Xmas???)
cheers - John
Hi Santa - there has been so much written about this subject, on this post and another one previously - it is just repeating over and over what has been said - think we should all agree that we either do or do not free camp, and take the spots available as they come up - wherever they are - we tend to travel from one camp to the other, but if we have to we go to a caravan park.
Can't fully blame councils - some people are just pigs and leave camps a mess etc. Makes it bad for all of us.
G'day Brian and Cheryl ,
Don't worry , you did not start the onslaught on free camps . It's been on many of these types of forums for many years .
It is a subject that gets emotions going , but that's human nature . We are set up to free camp for weeks at a time if we want too .
Sometimes we stay in CPs for various reasons , but not often .
We tend to bypass RV unfriendly towns , and stay and spend in the more friendly places . We will continue to do this . I refuse to be pushed into a CP if that is not what we want to do .
No way!! If you are eating the GNs that fast I'm staying away. lol
Posted this already over the page, but in case you've missed it,
I must apologise if my Post escalated things with regard to "independant" camping too. I can't find the original paragraph that prompted me to do so, but this is the closest I can find to it now. The original had a very large fine mentioned, which I thought was outrageous and prompted my response.
"Those camping outside designated camping grounds can be reported to Council. A Council officer will investigate the complaint and may issue a notice. Should people continue to breach the notice, a fine may be issued."
Cheers,
Sheba