Popular campgrounds have been slated for a plan to rent out sites for supported camping businesses. Photo: John Spencer, DPE.
A new plan to potentially rent out sites at some of the most popular public campgrounds in NSW to businesses has triggered community concern.
Earlier this month, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) opened expressions of interest for a plan to sell licences for supported camping businesses.
The proposal would give them priority allocation for campsites in 23 of the state’s most popular campgrounds, including Kosciuszko, Murramarang and Killalea national parks.
The EOI has triggered outrage among some bush users.
“I’m not aware there’s any consultation about this privatisation of these campsites,” Michael Atkinson said.
Mr Atkinson, better known as Outback Mike, is a popular adventure filmmaker. In recent years, he has spoken out about what he sees as the increasing commodification of the parks system.
The NPWS said its plan would make camping more accessible.
But Mr Atkinson believes there’s a simpler solution.
“They just need more basic campsites.”
Depot Beach in Murramarang National Park is one of 23 popular campgrounds designated for the new business plan. Photo: NPWS.
With record numbers visiting national parks, booked-out campgrounds are an increasing reality.
Mr Atkinson said this proposal would just make the problem worse.
“It should be run in the best interests of the public and I don’t really see that as being in their best interest,” he said.
“I think for the majority of people, it will just mean even more ghost bookings; it’ll be even harder to get a campsite now.”
Mr Atkinson has spoken out about several controversial NPWS changes in recent years, including an $89 per night camping fee proposal.
He recently circulated a petition that gathered 13,000 signatures opposing expanded fees and calling for an end to the controversial booking system introduced as a COVID measure in 2022.
But it’s not just bush users who see this proposal as controversial.
“We were quite shocked to be honest,” Jindabyne Chamber of Commerce chair Olivier Kapetanakos said.
“It doesn’t make sense to subcontract … it will just increase fees unnecessarily.
“For Australian families to enjoy the great Australian outdoors, particularly at a time when the cost of living is increasing. Why would they want to stop or inhibit people from enjoying the great outdoors?”
The NPWS has invested $48.7 million in new and upgraded campsites across 80 locations in the state over the last six years. Photo: John Spencer, DPE.
For small towns, national park tourism is big business. The National Parks Association of NSW estimates nature-based tourism brings an estimated $19 billion into NSW every year.
So why wouldn’t business groups support changes that seemingly further boost the economies of towns such as Jindabyne?
According to Mr Kapetanakos, putting up barriers is benefitting no-one.
“We’ve heard of so many times the people who’ve tried to book, where it’s been full … and they go down there and there’s nobody there.
“It’s not working the way that it was intended to.”
NPWS changes have attracted significant interest in recent years. The proposal to increase camp fees received more than 20,000 submissions.
As part of its recent supported camping plan, the NPWS has highlighted accessibility as a key driver.
“NPWS has developed the trial in response to growing demand from people interested in camping, but who lack the necessary gear and experience,” an NPWS spokesperson said.
“Supported camping will also allow travellers from interstate and overseas opportunities to camp, without having to bring all their gear with them, which is often impractical.”
The NSW Government EOI period for supported camping runs until the end of October; the licence start date is scheduled for March 2026.
Find more details on the EOI here.
