By Michael Burt
SOUTH WEST ROCKS, NSW – Camping enthusiasts planning summer getaways in north coast National Parks could see fees skyrocket by over 90 per cent under a contentious proposal unveiled by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). The proposed overhaul introduces a six-tier system.
Camping fees at north coast National Parks could increase by more than 90 per cent during summer under a new tiered system proposed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
The proposed camping fee system would include six tiers that provide a range of experience and cost options for campers.
Campgrounds with hot showers like Trial Bay Goal near South West Rocks will be in tier six, which would have fees increased from a current average of $49 per site per night to $89 per night in peak season.
Tier 2–5 campgrounds, which NPWS says makes up around 86 per cent of their camping spots in NSW, are proposed to have fees aligned with the range of services provided, quality of facilities and visitor demand. Local tier 2-5 examples include the Cod Hole campground at Wild Cattle Creek, Thungutti in the New England National Park and Barokee at Ebor.
Fees for tier four campgrounds featuring pit toilets, tables, BBQs, and shelters are proposed to increase to $54 in high season (summer and school holidays) from a current average of $28. The NPWS consultation paper suggests basic tier one campgrounds should be free instead of around $3 per night.
The NSW NPWS says the benefits of the proposed changes include more consistent and equitable camping fees linked to services, facilities and demand, the removal of additional fees and more generous cancellation refunds.
However, Member for Oxley Michael Kemp said the changes are a ‘cash grab’ and raised concerns about the proposal in Question Time last week.
Mr Kemp said it would see some camping fees rise to more than $600 for a family to stay in a north coast National Park, pricing out locals who have relied on this low-cost option for generations.
“This is nothing more than a cash grab from the Minns Labor Government, and it risks turning our national parks into places only the wealthy can afford to enjoy,” Mr Kemp said.
“Every dollar a visitor saves on accommodation is a dollar they might spend at a local café, bakery, fuel station or surf shop. When you price people out of the parks, you choke off that economic flow into our communities.”
Mr Kemp called on the Minns Labor Government to reverse the proposed fee hikes and instead invest in improving access to parks and creating more campgrounds.
“For families from Kempsey, Bellingen, Nambucca, Macksville or South West Rocks, camping is how we spend time with friends and family without spending a fortune.”
Public submissions on the Improving camping in New South Wales national parks consultation paper closes this Sunday, 25 May. You can make a submission or complete our online survey at haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/camping.