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  Sustainable Neighbourhoods Lake Macquarie
Camping in Rathmines Park
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The "No Camping" signs recently erected in the park
"No Camping" signs have recently been erected in Rathmines Park prohibiting overnight camping in the park, an activity which has been popular with Caravan and Campervan owners following a trial period for some years.
The Rathmines Area Sustainable Neighbourhood Group has written to Council expressing a view that the total ban is not in the interests of the local community. While not condoning long term camping in the park, the group considers the presence of these travellers acts as a deterrent to anti-social behaviour and vandalism, so considers that short term camping in specific areas is of benefit to the park as well as bringing economic benefit to local businesses. Boat owners are free to anchor in the area and have close access to the facilities, so it seems logical for caravan and campervan owners to have similar access.
​The response from Council supported the ban with a claim that they had had complaints from residents regarding illegal camping, however a Master Plan for the area is currently being developed and the Rathmines community will have an opportunity to provide feedback on this issue during the preparation of this plan.
​A petition to reverse the ban on camping has now been circulated and attracted 709 signatures. This petition will be tabled at the Council meeting on Monday the 26th of February, 2018, by West Ward Councillor Wendy Harrison, and the subject is now included for discussion during consultation for preparation of the Rathmines Park Master Plan.
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Playground equipment vandalised overnight in the park
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Sustainable Neighbourhoods Lake Macquarie
Our vision - Neighbourhoods that are empowered to live sustainably.
Our mission - Our work is to foster sustainable neighbourhoods and a healthy environment in Lake Macquarie
Our values - We are guided by our values of participation, inclusion, collaboration, empowerment and shared responsibility.

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters on which we live, work and play, the Awabakal People, and acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who now reside in this area. We pay our respect to Elders past and present, and future cultural knowledge holders.

The Lake Macquarie Sustainable Neighbourhood Alliance is registered as a not for profit incorporated association under NSW Fair Trading. Sustainable Neighbourhood activities are managed and governed by volunteers and financed through grants, collaboration and community fundraising.
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Sustainable Neighbourhoods is an initiative of Lake Macquarie City Council.
www.lakemac.com.au
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We are proud to be a Very Neighbourly Organisation and supporter of Neighbour Day.
www.neighbourday.org