I was thinking today, an experience I do try to avoid as much as I can, and it came upon me that perhaps I should posture a position, as devils advocate, regarding the lack of free-camps provided by various towns throughout our wonderful playground.
It is usual for we travellers to consult our bible, CAW4, 5 or 6, or other trusted source, and determine the location of a free-camp, either in or close to, our intended destination. Often if one is not forthcoming we determine an alternate route or even destination that will provide a stopping place more attuned to our purse.
We, the discerning traveller, lament the lack of such free-camps and often make representation to staff at the Information Centre. We provide justification for the need to provide such free-camps as the amount of patronage the town will, or has, lost due to their inconsideration.
However, during my fit of deliberation of the problem, it occurred to me that perhaps the basis of our argument and conclusion is flawed. Perhaps, our lament that if there is no free-camp provided we will take our patronage elsewhere does not excite the local authorities.
Consider this. We arrive in the town and ask for a free-handout the ability to spend a night, or nights, in their rateable properties and when it is not forthcoming, we inform them that we will take our patronage for their struggling businesses elsewhere. Rather than providing an impetus to cause the local council to re-zone, construct and maintain community space for wandering travellers, perhaps we are demonstrating we actually do not have sufficient wealth to rejuvenate their struggling businesses.
The sale of fuel and basic grocery items may not be sufficient attraction to the community to offset the pressure placed on the rates they pay to their council to be diverted to service we travellers rather than servicing the rateable community.
It was only a thought.
Now, the next problem to apply my limited thought processes to what would be the better argument?
Cheers - John
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2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 SE Auto - 2008 23ft Golden Eagle Hunter Some people feel the rain - the others just get wet - Bob Dylan
We could apply a similar principle to the one I apply to the transport industry. If all nomads, free campers and van parkers, stay off the road for a week. We don't move, we don't buy fuel, and if possible, we don't shop for just one week. I'm sure they would see the value of the nomads. The number of vehicles on the road, all year, demonstrates the volume of nomadding done around this country. It's not just school holidays, Easter and Christmas, summer or winter, it's all year. The fact we drive or tow something which looks reasonable and good enough to be called home for a period of time, gives the impression we have sufficient wealth. My van is my home 365 days a year, since 2006. Before that I lived in an older less roadworthy van on site. I'm comfy but not wealthy. So by taking your business elsewhere ultimately would hurt them if 1000 travellers did it. Even if they free camp they buy fuel and food, approximately $200 per stop. Add parts and tyres, repairs and incidentals, not to mention registration and other expenses, we spend a lot of money across the country, not just in our local town. Keep up the good work fellow nomads.
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
I'm not sure I'd want to park by a cemetery, however there are some lovely spot for camping, overnight or a day or 2 while you're checking out the region and stocking up. There are those campers who take liberties with the privelege of free camping and overstay their welcome, hang out the washing between the trees or over the fences. Not a good look. Add to this their rubbish they don't take with them, and this is enough to alienate the affections of the locals. That's what the shires and councils dread, and why they limit free campers. Even if they own the local caravan park, there may be free camps around some districts. I think the park owners are the major objectors to free camping, and the double whammy is the park owner sitting on the local council/shire. OUCH!!! I'd recommend you pick your spots carefully, but preferably not in the proximity of townships.
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
Speaking of cemetery...my sister and hubby were going to camp near a cemetery in the Outback somewhere, and she very quickly decided it had a bad feeling and they moved on.
I couldn't imagine parking by a cemetery either, Don't think I would get much sleep.
Does anyone have their Camps book in front of them.? Wondered about the rest spot in Bundaberg opposite the airport. I always thought it was a day stop but have been told of plenty who stay there overnight, so I did last night and shared it with at least another 5 or 6 campers. Think its called the Hinkler Lions Park. Don't have my book inside.
I couldn't imagine parking by a cemetery either, Don't think I would get much sleep.
Does anyone have their Camps book in front of them.? Wondered about the rest spot in Bundaberg opposite the airport. I always thought it was a day stop but have been told of plenty who stay there overnight, so I did last night and shared it with at least another 5 or 6 campers. Think its called the Hinkler Lions Park. Don't have my book inside.
Thats interesting as it is now a overnight spot. Friends parked there a week or so back and it was packed. Nobody comes around to tell you to move on but they do come and lock the toilets at 4.30pm. Its a great spot as so close to town. Very quiet considering the airport is just across the road and main road in between.
Thats interesting as it is now a overnight spot. Friends parked there a week or so back and it was packed. Nobody comes around to tell you to move on but they do come and lock the toilets at 4.30pm. Its a great spot as so close to town. Very quiet considering the airport is just across the road and main road in between.
Handy to know that. Although I have 'friends' in Bundy, I've had issues with them, so don't think I'd stay there again.
