Newcastle Council Weighs Parking Restrictions to Curb Illegal Camping
The City of Newcastle is actively considering the introduction of overnight parking limits along Fullerton Street in Stockton as a direct response to mounting community concerns about illegal camping. This proposal, tabled at the council's Local Transport Forum last month, aims to deter campers from settling in popular waterside areas between 11pm and 5am.
Residents Voice Frustrations Over Persistent Issues
Local residents have reported a steady stream of complaints regarding detritus, sanitation problems, antisocial behaviour, and even menacing dogs associated with the illegal campers. Lindy Nisbett, executive of the Stockton Community Group, highlighted the impact on community activities, noting that junior cricket teams and their families are confronted with these challenging conditions at the Ballast Grounds and nearby sports grounds.
"People are scared to walk their dogs in the area," Ms Nisbett stated. "It's a really difficult situation." She also pointed out that a broken-down bus has remained at the site for over a year, with signs of habitation inside, alongside other parked campers, vans, and scattered belongings like bicycles, barbecues, and solar panels.
A Complex Issue with Multiple Perspectives
While residents seek solutions, the campers themselves represent a diverse group. Some, like Harry, a 78-year-old travelling with his dog Ruby, choose a transient lifestyle by preference, moving to new towns almost nightly to avoid the rules and costs of paid caravan parks. Others may be vulnerable individuals sleeping rough or visitors looking to save money.
Harry explained his perspective: "I just like seeing different places. I've been on the road since before COVID. That's about six years or so." He acknowledged the resident concerns but added, "I'm not knocking them. I do feel for them. You've got to live somewhere."
Council and State Government Navigate Jurisdictional Challenges
The illegal camping problem has persisted for years, with councils and the NSW state government often at an impasse over responsibility and jurisdiction for managing public spaces. A City of Newcastle spokesman emphasised that the council is monitoring several locations across the city, coordinating with outreach services to offer assistance to rough sleepers while considering parking limits to maintain area safety.
"We are monitoring the situation in several locations across the city, to connect those that may need assistance to state government support services, or to discuss alternative options for long-term parking," the spokesman said. The council aims to treat all individuals "respectfully, with dignity, and do not face discrimination."
Community Engagement and Future Steps
In response, the Stockton Community Group plans to host a forum next month, inviting councillors, Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp, and police to seek collaborative solutions. Ms Nisbett stressed the need for a caring approach, noting, "It's a statewide issue. Really, there is nowhere for these people to go."
The proposed parking restrictions are part of a staged community consultation process, reflecting the broader tension between resident livability and the realities of transient living in Newcastle's public spaces.
