Parking restrictions to tackle overnight campers at Tweed Heads

11 February 2021

Council moves in response to complaints over public amenity

Overnight parking restrictions have been introduced at several key Tweed Heads sites as part of efforts to combat an influx of campers in the area.

A number of new ‘no parking’ signs have been erected at popular tourist sites in the past week, following a rise in complaints from residents.

Parking will be prohibited between 11pm and 5am, seven days a week, with the aim of preventing overnight camping in specific streets, including at:

Intersection of Tweed Terrace and Boundary Street, Point Danger
Unnamed road between Hill Street and Eden Street
Boundary Street and carpark next to Twin Towns
Bay Street outside Seascape Apartments and carpark opposite Chris Cunningham Park.

Rangers will be patrolling the area and on-the-spot fines issued to anyone found parking in a restricted zone.

Council has experienced a noticeable increase in vehicles parking overnight in these areas since restrictions were introduced at popular beach spots along the Tweed Coast late last year, to combat illegal camping in those areas.

Mayor of Tweed Cr Chris Cherry said the new restrictions were introduced in response to rising community concerns and were designed to have minimal impact on local residents.

“Council has received a steep rise in complaints from residents concerned about the number of overnight campers and lack of available parking around Point Danger, Duranbah Beach, Twin Towns and Jack Evans Boat Harbour,” she said.

“We have two issues here - we have homelessness, which is a genuine concern in our Shire and we need State Government help to urgently address this, and we have travellers who don’t feel like paying for their stay. It is the second group we are targeting with these changes.

“Residents are concerned about significant public amenity, health and environmental issues that may arise from so many people sleeping overnight in their vehicles.

“These new parking restrictions are in direct response to those concerns and will be closely monitored by our rangers with on-the-spot fines issued.

“There will continue to be ample parking provided on public roads around Tweed Heads for those seeking access to popular beach and lookout locations between 11pm and 5am, and we are confident these restrictions will not adversely impact local residents or businesses.”

Cr Cherry said the problem of illegal camping was not isolated to the Tweed.

“Both our neighbouring councils in the Gold Coast and Byron Shire are experiencing similar problems with illegal campers and have also been forced to introduce measures to restrict overnight parking on public streets,” she said.

“There has been a noticeable improvement in the situation along our beaches since restrictions were put in place last October and Council will continue to consult with specific groups, such as fishing clubs and homelessness outreach programs, to minimise any impact to the community.”

To assist the public, Council has developed an interactive map that outlines the areas impacted by the changes which can be viewed by visiting www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/parking

For further information, contact Council on 02 6670 2400.