Project: Kentish Park Camping
MEDIA RELEASE
FRIDAY, 27 OCTOBER 2023
CHANGES TO KENTISH PARK OWNERSHIP
Kentish Council has transferred the ownership of Kentish Park back to the State Government after failed attempts to reach a ‘common sense’ agreement with the Office of the Tasmanian Economic Regulator and National Resources and Environment, regarding free camping.
Kentish Park has remained closed for camping for over 12 months. The future use of the site is to be determined by Parks and Wildlife who is now responsible for the use and management of the park.
Council advises that at a recent meeting of the Mersey Forth Recreation Management Committee there was strong support for Parks and Wildlife to address the safety concerns with camping at Kentish Park and re-open the area to overnight camping.
Mayor Haberle said, “There has been major infrastructure developed in the area by Mast and Hydro Tasmania and it is imperative that overnight camping be again allowed to take full advantage of these major assets and cater for over-flow camping when major events are held at Lake Barrington including the Masters Rowing Competition in May 2024 and the National Championships in 2025.”
In the meantime, as the weather warms up and enquiries resume regarding camping at Kentish Park, the public are advised to contact Parks & Wildlife Property Services for further information on 03 6169 9015 or email propertyservices@parks.tas.gov.au
ENDS
For further information please contact Mayor Haberle on 0439 911 649.
Update August 2023:
The ownership and control of Kentish Park is in the process of being handed back to the State Government as a decision has been made that it cannot be safely re-opened by the Kentish Council for camping in an economically feasible matter that will satisfy the requirements of the economic regulator.
Scope: At the 15 March Kentish Council meeting, Council made the decision to pause overnight camping at Kentish Park, Lake Barrington immediately after the Easter holiday weekend. Overnight camping will no longer be permitted at Kentish Park starting on 20 April 2022. Following that date, the Park will be the subject of compliance checks. Day use remains unchanged.
The decision was prompted by a serious incident that occurred on New Year’s Day, which has compelled Council to act.
The temporary closure will allow council staff to undertake due diligence to ascertain if the site can be safely re-opened in an economically feasible manner in the medium to long term, potentially in 18 months.
Kentish Park is a popular location for day visitors who enjoy picnicking, sightseeing, and lake-based activities. These activities will not be impacted by the suspension of overnight camping, as day visitors are encouraged to explore the park’s natural beauty.
