Backpackers in Margaret River trigger call from locals for council to tackle tourist season ‘problem’

The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River is resisting growing calls for a public meeting to discuss the ongoing problem of peak season visitation with the contentious issue causing an unwelcoming culture for those passing through town. Shire chief executive Andrea Selvey and director Nick Byrne last week offered meetings with ratepayers voicing concerns on social media, but residents were calling called for public meetings where residents could offer feedback and suggestions. The calls come amid mounting concerns about the lack of action on travellers clogging popular spots and whether illegal camping was taking place. Residents who met with the shire representatives told the Times they did not accept excuses most of the observed problems resulted from day-use issues where the local government had no real control. Business owner Ryan Nielsen said the shire needed to rope in other agencies who shared the responsibility of solving the problems. Social media was amplifying public frustration and it was not the sort of welcome people wanted to offer to travellers often filling crucial spots in the local labour market, Mr Nielsen said. “The shire’s communication with the public on this issue has been poor,” he said. “The shire does have an obligation to act within its capacity, but what’s being lost in translation is that this issue extends beyond their jurisdiction. “Real solutions require a coordinated response from multiple agencies, including the shire, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Main Roads WA and WA Police.” Other residents voiced frustration the issue remained unresolved despite talks and meetings dating back to 2011. Earlier this year, the shire reported findings of an internal working group with the City of Busselton that found a season public overflow facility wasn’t necessarily feasible. Councillors instead agreed to provide caravan parks up to $25,000 if any operator took charge of an overflow facility, but at time of going to press it was unclear whether that offer was taken up. Meanwhile, residents continued to assert the need for such a facility – despite agreeing many travellers weren’t interested in caravan parks anyway. “Just provide somewhere,” Margaret River resident Aidan Hadwell said. “These people (travellers) mostly work in our region and have no other means of accommodation we’re all aware. “Can we not solve this rather than complaining and being generally angry?” Mr Hadwell and others said it was not part of the region’s appeal to have residents up in arms against visitors who contributed to the local economy and cultural life. The shire “should have found a solution by now,” local man Aarom Hilton said. “We don’t need you to consult people, nor do you need to pay a gazillion dollars to some other consulting firm. “Just pick a place and put some cheap camping for cheapo backpackers who are working in the area.” Forest Grove resident Geoff Bott lamented “Groundhog Day” at the shire. “Every year, without fail, the issue of illegal camping, waste disposal, sanitation and bushfire risk catches the shire by ‘surprise’,” he said. “It’s long past due that the shire got proactive and managed this annual problem.” Shire director Mr Byrne told the Times the local government was actively responding to the issues flagged by the community. “The shire is working on options for a deliberative, informed and strategic forum with stakeholders and community members in the coming months,” he said. “Specific solutions such as overflow camping, increased patrols along with other creative ideas, will all be put on the table for an informed discussion to honour our commitment to involve our community in this important issue.” Whether that forum would be a public meeting as demanded was yet to be confirmed.