Budgewoi residents fed up with beach carpark campers

Budgewoi residents are fed up with “squatters” living for weeks or even months at a time in carparks at Lakes Beach in tents, caravans and motor homes.

One resident who did not want to be named said a bus in the Lakes Beach Surf Club carpark had been there for more than a month and was in the same spot last year for four months.

But a second carpark with no toilet facilities, more remote and further away from the surf club, attracted the most campers.

The resident said one van and a tent had been there for about five months.

Last week there were six vans and caravans in the carpark.

Another resident who travels past the carparks every day said sometimes the second carpark was full of campers.

“Some seem to be ordinary caravanners with nice motor homes just camping overnight, but others look like they are living there permanently; there’s even a clothesline,” he said.

With no toilet facilities, the residents believe campers are using nearby bush.

“Local ratepayers are not happy,” one resident said.

“It’s a $3,000 fine for camping in national park carparks.

“Council should be policing these areas and should either charge or put up a sign that says no camping.

“Locals would love to have a house on the beach but cannot afford it.

“They are taking up all the parking spaces and I don’t think it’s fair for local ratepayers.”

A Central Coast Council spokesperson said Council’s parking officers and rangers actively responded to complaints regarding alleged illegal parking and camping.

They also undertake proactive patrols of known hotspots due to several issues including the reduction in accessible parking spots and the inappropriate management of waste and wastewater.

The spokesperson said Council had improved its signage at Lakes Beach to clearly state what is and what is not permitted in terms of parking and camping.

“As a result of this improved signage, Council has taken enforcement action in relation to people who were allegedly illegally parking and or camping with some moving on as a result,” the spokesperson said.

“Council staff also work with our outreach team to provide services to people that are rendered genuinely homeless and unable to move into alternative accommodation.

“As always, Council will action complaints and concerns from the community as required, and Council’s parking officers and rangers will continue to patrol this location and take appropriate action where people are using the space inappropriately or unlawfully.”