Residents target freedom campers

BY CHERIE HOWIE

Freedom camping "bludgers" and roading concerns came under the microscope as Marlborough Sounds residents met last night to share their priorities for renewal plans.

One Marlborough district councillor even suggested they be "shot" as an incentive not to stop.

Twenty-three residents from several Sounds communities took part in the public brainstorming session with planners Urbanismplus at the Linkwater Hall.

The Auckland planners have been commissioned by the Marlborough District Council to design renewal plans as part of a Marlborough-wide project started last year.

Top of the list for Sounds residents was improving ways of dealing with tourists illegally camping on reserves and roadsides.

Sue Snape, of The Grove, said she did not have a problem with those in self-contained campervans. "It's the freedom bludgers I don't like."

Calls from other residents for better signs telling freedom campers not to stay overnight won support from Picton councillor Nigel Weetman.

"We've got to give them some idea that `you will be shot or something' [if you camp here]. That might make a difference."

However, one Ohingaroa resident said the situation was becoming more serious.

Residents were encouraged by the council to ask campers to move on, but one had been pushed by a camper on Saturday, he said. The incident has been reported to the police.

However, one Sounds resident called for support to be given to freedom campers. Ngakuta Bay Community Association chairman Paul Fitzharris said some facilities should be provided for freedom campers, and called for a thoughtful solution.

"A lot of people here rely on the tourist trade. While we hate them in one sense, we love them in another."

Another hot topic was Sounds roads, particularly those that attract high speeds.

Rosslyn Weaver won wide support when she called for the speed limit outside Linkwater School to be reduced from 90kmh to 40kmh.

"It's absolutely ridiculous that it's a 90kmh zone."

She also questioned why the speed limit on the rest of the Linkwater straight was 90kmh when the limit on the winding, narrow road to Anakiwa was 100kmh.

The residents' ideas will be investigated by Urbanismplus, with a draft plan to be released next month for public consultation. A final report will be ready by June.

THINK TANK

Other ideas raised by Marlborough Sounds residents at last night's renewal planning meeting included:

THE GROVE

Build a breakwater on the northern side of the jetty so the jetty is better protected Move the The Grove rubbish skip away from the settlement's picturesque wharf.

LINKWATER

Upgrade the Linkwater Hall More consultation on big events affecting the community, such as the annual GrapeRide cycling event.

OHINGAROA

Zone some land industrial, which would support the community Build a jetty in Ohingaroa or Willow Bay.

WHATAMANGO BAY

Establish a sewerage system Seal McCormicks Rd Install a sign at the end of McCormicks Rd to prevent freedom camping.

TIRIMOANA

Build a sea defence on the Tirimoana and Anakiwa shores Install public toilets Build a boat launch Build a playground.

- The Marlborough Express