Edward River Council issued the ban on Friday after receiving multiple complaints about caravans and campervans being parked in free camping areas, and particularly Willoughby’s Beach at Deniliquin.
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Forest NSW, Parks Victoria and other services have also closed a number of high visitation sites including beaches, major historic sites in parks, all campsites, camping grounds and caravan parks and facilities in parks, such as visitor centres, historic sites and tours.
It is all in an effort to slow the spread of Coronavirus as new, harsher government directives come into effect every day.
Edward River Mayor Norm Brennan said council will be ‘‘locking up’’ camping sites to ensure people can’t access to them and ‘‘do the wrong thing’’.
Cr Brennan said he personally counted 35 camp sites at Willoughby’s Beach last week, which is managed by NPWS.
‘‘We have closed camping areas to discourage people visiting and camping in these areas to stop the potential distribution of COVID-19 to our communities,’’ he said.
‘‘We are also looking to lock up a variety of areas such as McLean Beach and Willoughby’s Beach, so you can’t access it as tougher restrictions come into effect.
‘‘Council will be monitoring the surrounding towns in the council area as well, such as Pretty Pine and Blighty, and will be locking up similar areas in those towns where people might traditionally camp. There won’t be access.
‘‘If people are found in these areas, the police will be called to remove them.’’
There are reports of holidaymakers now seeking out private land for camping.
Cr Brennan acknowledged that this region, and particularly Deniliquin, is a hotspot for tourists at Easter, but hopes people will be responsible enough to ‘‘stay at home’’.
‘‘We are in difficult times, so I urge everyone, visitors and locals, to stay at home and definitely do not go on that Easter trip,’’ he said.
‘‘This is a once in a lifetime event that we are currently in, so we need to ensure everyone plays their part.’’
The Australian Government is urging people to cancel all non-essential travel, which is being enforced by police.
Police now have the power to issue an on the spot fine for not complying with a ministerial direction or a public health order. This on the spot fine is $1000 for individuals and $5000 for businesses.
Police were called to issue a move on direction to campers at Willoughby’s Beach following the announcement on camping. The police directions were followed without incident.