Renewal application denied for permanent overnight parking for self-contained vehicles in Northcliffe

Overnight parking for self-contained vehicles will no longer be allowed in Northcliffe due to an increasing number of compliance issues. A 12-month trial of the short-term accommodation option within the Northcliffe Visitors Centre carpark has determined more than 5 per cent of users have not been complying with the rules governing the operation, with Manjimup Shire fearing this number will only increase into peak holiday season. An inability for ongoing monitoring by shire rangers also factored into council’s decision at its meeting on July 27. Non-compliance issues were initially raised by a commercial caravan park operator in the area, and included camping occurring in vehicles that were not self-contained, more than the four permitted vehicles staying overnight, and vehicles staying longer than overnight. The Northcliffe Visitors Centre was given an additional two months after complaints were raised to reduce non-compliance issues through additional signage and increased ranger enforcement, however this did little to address the issues. There are numerous alternative options for camp sites available to service the needs of self-contained vehicles in the area, however none in the town site itself. Alternative camping options to service incoming travellers include roundtu-it Eco Caravan Park and Northcliffe Bush Camp. A third facility on Boorara Road was granted conditional approval by council in February. Additionally, the Windy Harbour Campground, Pemberton Caravan Park and several other smaller approved facilities are located within a 25km radius of Northcliffe, and there are a large number of camp grounds located within D’Entrecasteaux National Park and surrounding State forests. The facility is required to close by August 30.