THE enforcement of minimum night bookings for campers at Lake Keepit has outraged local residents who are “sick of being held to ransom” by the state park’s management.
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Gunnedah resident and regular camper and fisher at the dam, Andy O’Connell, enquired about camping at Lake Keepit during the Christmas and New Year period and was told a seven night minimum booking was required.
“We didn’t have seven nights to spend out there so we couldn’t enjoy camping at the dam during that period,” Mr O’Connell said.
He believes that this weekend’s Australia Day holiday will be similar, with a three night minimum booking required.
“I am led to believe that this is for cabins, campotels, powered and unpowered sites, as well as the humble old bush camp. We have friends that can’t make it for the three nights so they can’t come out at all,” he said.
“I realise they are there to earn a living and it is a great facility but it seems the management of the park are prepared to cut off their nose to spite their face, and are becoming a little smug with the recent spectacular seasons they have enjoyed with the dam being above 80 per cent for longer than I can remember.
“Let’s see how they go as many locals are fast becoming sick of being held to ransom by them, and how many support them when the dam reaches low levels as is predicted to happen.
“As a local we will go to the dam to ski or fish even if it is at critical level, but after being told again I have to book a minimum stay of three nights, I think I will drive the extra couple of hours and go to Glenbawn,” Mr O’Connell said.
esponded to the claims saying “I understand the minimum night booking policy is frustrating for some people but we are no different to any other accommodation venue”.
“We are governed by our annual licence, which states how many people are allowed to camp in the park at any one time,” Mr Taylor said.
“We have to abide by the rules and regulations we are given,” he said.
Lake Keepit’s 2013 licence, which “has a lot more rules in it than previous years”, is aimed at minimising risks for campers.
“If we have a bushfire then we need to know how many people are in the park and where they are located.”
Mr Taylor said the minimum night booking policy has been in place for several years and includes a seven night minimum during the Christmas and New Year period, with a three night minimum enforced during long weekends. A two night minimum is in place for all other weekends and there is no minimum requirement mid-week. The policy applies to all types of camping.
“We are quite busy this weekend with country music campers and people have to understand that during our peak times we need to get the best returns for our facilities.”