Darwin Free Camping

[John M]

Following recent comments in the media, by the Darwin Mayor (Lorna Fong Lim), that "if they (the tourists) can't afford to spend the $320 to $380 a week on caravan park accommodation, then we don't want them here" (or words to that effect) there are a lot of grey nomads bypassing Darwin this year, (turning at Katherine to and from the west) not so much those that have planned their short stay (or those that have access to alternative parking), but those that travel.
I was at a social get together yesterday, and was talking to a representative from the Lord Mayors office, and i brought up the subject of grey nomad/ cheaper camping and particularly Lorna Fong Lim's comment. I made the point that for those on a limited income $350 a week is at the top end of their spending budget, particularly if they are trying to save enough for a tank of fuel to get to the next town with.
My comment was "which is better that they spend $350 a week in one caravan park, or $300 a week spread around other businesses/ tourist attractions?"
He admitted that it was a point that had not been considered.
The whole tourist industry, particularly in the NT, is arranged around those that have large volumes of money to spend in a short time, with no regard for those on a finite income, who wish to spend possibly the same amount of money, but over a longer time frame.
From what I know of the top end (over 20yrs as a resident) the biggest problem is all the public toilets are locked overnight and there are no public facilities available for anyone, tourist or local. While the blame is not placed solely on the backpackers and tourists, but rather the long grassers and itinerants. unfortunately the backpackers and tourists cop the bulk of the disadvantage, as the long grassers don't care, they just make their deposit any where!
As was said it shouldn't worry the self contained vans though, I made the statement that even though they may not need access to the toilets overnight they still need to have access to a dump point at regular intervals.
His closing comment was not to rule out the possibility of the old East Point golf course being opened to self contained camping, but don't hold your breath while waiting.
PS when I stated that I intended posting this on the forum the gentleman concerned, asked that his name was not mentioned or passed on.

[generdawg]

... My comment was "which is better that they spend $350 a week in one caravan park, or $300 a week spread around other businesses/ tourist attractions?"
...

This is a subject of concern elsewhere on this forum: Locals put up happy campers

For the life of me I cannot understand what the attraction is apart from the park and it's history, between the town centre and the beautiful ocean front.

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Even that is tainted with the locals camped in the park bush inebriated beyond description with every other word a very loud profanity despite signs everywhere prohibiting alcohol.

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PROOF!

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Sorry Darwin, you had your chance and blew it.

[Dot]

About the same as Byron Bay and their "no grog" signs yet
As for the Lord Mayor's rep what a gutless wonder , frightened he might get a slapped wrist, he would earn more respect if he said he would take yours (and our) concerns to a higher level. We won't be going there and that's for sure.. Hi to Beau x

[John M]

About the same as Byron Bay and their "no grog" signs yet
As for the Lord Mayor's rep what a gutless wonder , frightened he might get a slapped wrist, he would earn more respect if he said he would take yours (and our) concerns to a higher level. We won't be going there and that's for sure.. Hi to Beau x

In all Fairness, the chap I was talking to, though he worked in the lord mayors office, was not in a position to officially comment, also the whole conversation was over a beer (or three) during a social get together, if an official comment was required then I would have to go to the office. It was his intention to open discussion within the office, but this would not be assisted if garbled report in some obscure forum, (complete with name) was to come to light. While there is no name mentioned, suspicion can be leveled but no recriminations, No name, no pack drill.
The other side of the argument was that it is considerably more economically viable for the council to allow the caravan parks, to clean and police their own amenities, (and include the cost of doing so in their charges) than for the council to attempt to maintain public facilities for little or no direct return.
I also would not visit Darwin were it not for the contacts we have, (both social and family) on both sides of the divide.

Even that is tainted with the locals camped in the park bush inebriated beyond description with every other word a very loud profanity despite signs everywhere prohibiting alcohol.

Unfortunately that is an ongoing problem where a disproportional minority give all a bad name, our police force and judicial system is hampered by the bleeding hearts, who scream discrimination, at the abnormal disparity in numbers in the judicial system, so what can they do? If they are taken to court and a fine is imposed they can't or wont pay it so there is no recourse. So the signs are treated with the disdain they deserve, if they cannot be enforced. The Jails are full to overflowing with minor (some may claim political) offenders.
The Government imposed alcohol restrictions which were abolished after more claims of discrimination, I can't see how any restriction that is imposed an all can be discriminating. But that is Politics.

[Wilbor]

The other side of the argument was that it is considerably more economically viable for the council to allow the caravan parks, to clean and police their own amenities, (and include the cost of doing so in their charges) than for the council to attempt to maintain public facilities for little or no direct return.

This is the problem right here, "for little or no direct return". The Council needs to be educated on what return there actually is for their community, even wizbangs leave behind a lot of money

[generdawg]

... The Council needs to be educated on what return there actually is for their community, even wizbangs leave behind a lot of money

Too right

I purchased six brand new tyres at $1200 while there, not to mention groceries, fuel and restaurants, but NEVER AGAIN.

dawg (fool me once, shame on you. fool me twice, shame on me)

[Dot]

About the same as Byron Bay and their "no grog" signs yet
As for the Lord Mayor's rep what a gutless wonder , frightened he might get a slapped wrist, he would earn more respect if he said he would take yours (and our) concerns to a higher level. We won't be going there and that's for sure.. Hi to Beau x

In all Fairness, the chap I was talking to, though he worked in the lord mayors office, was not in a position to officially comment, also the whole conversation was over a beer (or three) during a social get together, if an official comment was required then I would have to go to the office. It was his intention to open discussion within the office, but this would not be assisted if garbled report in some obscure forum, (complete with name) was to come to light. While there is no name mentioned, suspicion can be leveled but no recriminations, No name, no pack drill. got yu

Unfortunately that is an ongoing problem where a disproportional minority give all a bad name, our police force and judicial system is hampered by the bleeding hearts, who scream discrimination, at the abnormal disparity in numbers in the judicial system, so what can they do? If they are taken to court and a fine is imposed they can't or wont pay it so there is no recourse. So the signs are treated with the disdain they deserve, if they cannot be enforced. The Jails are full to overflowing with minor (some may claim political) offenders.
The Government imposed alcohol restrictions which were abolished after more claims of discrimination, I can't see how any restriction that is imposed an all can be discriminating. But that is Politics.

I wonder if that might also apply to us lot if by chance we stayed outside one of their CP jails, can't or won't pay the fines and no room at their other inn's. Might be worth a try if you are up that way..

[Rover All Over]

The other side of the argument was that it is considerably more economically viable for the council to allow the caravan parks, to clean and police their own amenities, (and include the cost of doing so in their charges) than for the council to attempt to maintain public facilities for little or no direct return.

So why don't they set stuff up for "Self Contained" vehicles, they shouldn't need toilets anyway. What about more RVFT type places, parking spaces for SC vehicles only are required with perhaps some bins for rubbish. How hard is it for the garbo to call into such places in the course of their normal rounds.

All these places come up with really are "excuses" never real genuine reasons and with little thought other than bowing to the demands of a certain lobby group.

A lot of places that came down the heavy on freedom camping are now paying the price and re-thinking their attitude. If they consider they only want people who come in with lots of money why is that? Are are such people really big spenders once they get there anyway, for instance they have paid the cost of air fares, they have paid a high price for accommodation, then once they pay for their restaurant or hotel meals what's left to spend on other things, again only the hotels and restaurants are the biggest gains from fly, car drive, rail tourists.

RV travellers as well as other tourists are likely to spend money making use of the "touristy" stuff on offer, they are not exclusive to any one group.

So where is the difference in RV users, vs others, Rvers got there paying for fuel along the way, which, like air fares doesn't benefit the town, they spend their money for food in the supermarkets rather than the restaurants most of the time, before leaving town they will fuel up. CP's get their share from those who choose to use them .

Overall having ALL types of travellers benefits the whole place in different ways with a wider spread of the money.

Welcome all types of tourist and reap the benefits from both. So what's the problem for these places. I can't really see one can you????

[Dot]

The other side of the argument was that it is considerably more economically viable for the council to allow the caravan parks, to clean and police their own amenities, (and include the cost of doing so in their charges) than for the council to attempt to maintain public facilities for little or no direct return.

But I don't remember writing this bit

[T1 Terry]

You must have had telepathic control of John's typing finger, we know it was you Dottie