Illegal camping and littering targeted

Central Coast Council will have extra rangers on the Woy Woy waterfront these summer holidays, targeting illegal camping and littering.

Council environment and certification manager Mr Jamie Loader said that incidences of dumped rubbish and illegal camping increase during this time, and Council wanted everyone to avoid the fines that apply to those who did not do the right thing.

"The festive season means more parties, more family get-togethers, more food than you'd usually eat and, sadly, more waste dumped than at any other time of the year," said Mr Loader.

"If you are getting together with your family and friends at our parks, reserves, beaches, or rock platforms, make sure you clean up after you leave and if bins are full or unavailable, take your rubbish with you.

"Council is also reminding the camping community to make sure they only set up camp in areas designated for overnight camping.

"Illegal camping can be disruptive to the use of public spaces by the community and in some cases, potentially dangerous.

"Specific camping areas are set up with amenities, provision of bins for rubbish and lighting, that way campers are safe and the community retain full access to public space throughout the holiday period," Mr Loader said.

"The community can support efforts of the Council to keep our coast clean and safe by reporting problems such as dumped rubbish or illegal camping via Report a Problem on Council's website."

Individuals found guilty of littering can receive on the spot fines of up to $250.

Those found to be camping on our beaches, parks, reserves or other areas that are not designated camping areas could face on the spot fines of up to $110. SOURCE: Media release, 14 Dec 2017 Jamie Loader, Central Coast Council