Comment sought on new camping fees

Comment will be sought on new fees and charges for the Patonga Camping Area for a period of 28 days.

If no "sustainable objections" are received, the new fees will be adopted.

Gosford Council has proposed that the charges go up to $44 per night for the powered sites from $31 per night and to $35 for unpowered from $24.50 per night.

A report from staff to the council meeting of Tuesday, September 4, said weekends at the Patonga Camping Area were often fully booked from September through to the end of April every year.

Under the current fees and charges, these weekends fall into the "shoulder tariff" period excluding long weekends, NSW School holidays and the peak period from December 1 to January 31.

According to acting director of city services Mr Peter Armour, the camping area was at capacity during these weekends, and additional resources were required including security on a Friday and Saturday night and additional staff.

The resources and services being provided were consistent with those being provided during "peak tariff" times, he said.

"The current rates charged for the shoulder rate period do not cover the costs involved with the additional services required," Mr Armour said.

Gosford Council Agenda CIT.39, 4 Sep 2012