Tuesday, Aug 14, 2012 at 19:38
Colleen,
You referrred to NSW but the issue is the same in Queensland where I live in a small rural town.
Earlier this year at a meeting the question of providing a
free camping area came up and the general conclusion was that this was a cost impost on ratepayers who were already shouldering the cost of road mileage on a much greater ratio than their urban counterparts, and also struggled to have the same level of service facilities.
The argument that these travellers with their own accomodation bring spending revenue to the town has little support since the only substanial beneficiary could be the
supermarket and since this is not locally owned, this wasn't very beneficial. Every other business such as the hardware store and the butcher got almost nothing.
You really can't expect free facilities to be provided and caravan parks are a good example of the 'user pays' principle working
well.
I camped through out the US two years ago, and if it was free, you were lucky to get a
toilet. In California, on the coastal highway 1, north of S Francisco, I stopped at a State park
campground wher the fee was $36 for one person for a tent space and the use of a loo, and another $5 to bring the motorbike inside the
gate.
I've never complained after this, about any camping site in Australia (not that I really did before this)
Unfortunately seemingly
well heeled travellers with their big 4WDs and caravans
don't elicit much sympathy with their calls for more money to be spent to make life easier for them. If the accusation is that this is just typical of "red necky" Qld, then I'd add that I came from
Sydney and have a lot of sympathy with the
views they express.
Finally. Some one may want to have a go at me because here I am, not a member, using a free site.
My response. World Vision is the recipient of my disposable income. We Australians have more than we need and many "out there" are close to starvation.
AnswerID:
492884
Follow Up By: Andrew & Jen - Saturday, Sep 15, 2012 at 11:55
Saturday, Sep 15, 2012 at 11:55
Werewasi
You make some very good points in your post.
We have recently returned from nearly 4 weeks in NW NSW - generally welcoming and generous locals, good country to travel and this time, good weather.
Unfortunately, the behaviour of some travellers is not helping and I provide this as an example. We were told by a volunteer in
Broken Hill that a minority of
grey nomads just stop for fuel, go to the Vinnies soup kitchen for a FREE feed and then head out of town to stay at the free stops on the roadside.
IMHO, that is despicable behaviour. Vinnies provide a service for destitute and needy people who can not afford a decent feed, not for people who clearly can afford to travel around Australia! Because of their beliefs, Vinnies do not turn the travellers away, but it "sours the milk of human kindness", so to speak.
Cheers
Andrew
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770620