Illegal campers crackdown

Three backpacker vans have been clamped – just days after the Shire of Broome vowed to crack down on illegal camping in council-run car parks. Rangers targeted two “serial offenders” at Cable Beach and another at Town Beach early on Saturday morning.

The council said the offenders paid a total of $575 “without incident” to have the

clamps removed and had moved on. One of them had 10 outstanding infringements for illegal camping before being warned the council was prepared to use its property and public places law which allows clamps to be used when a vehicle is parked without permission on council property, in a thoroughfare or in a public place for the purpose of sleeping

inside. The Broome Advertiser understands the backpackers were not first or even second time offenders but were “well known” to ranger services and it was “deemed appropriate” they be clamped. Shortly after the action was taken, a person wrote on Facebook one offender intended to stay camped in the van and get “free rent” until the last day the payment was due 30 days later. But the Shire of Broome said at the end of 24-hours, vehicles would be towed to an impound yard where they would stay until impound and towing fees were paid and all fines. Shire chief executive Kenn Donohoe said illegal camping in vehicles each dry season became a visible issue that detracted from the amenity and visual appeal of the town. “Tourism is an important part of Broome and the Shire welcomes visitors of all kinds, but unfortunately a minority are doing the wrong thing and detracting from the ability of everyone else to enjoy our wonderful town,” he said.

He said the first option was to caution illegal campers, followed by a $100 fine if ignored. He said in addition to those wheel clamped, there were 12 infringements carrying a $100 fine issued bringing to 111 the total number of penalties for illegal camping issued in 2013. “Another 15 warnings were given at the weekend, meaning more than 500 illegal campers have been warned in 2013,” he said.