Shire changes temporary accommodation rules

Published on 02 June 2021

The Shire of Broome has made changes to its temporary accommodation policies and will embark on a new four-week trial in response to the current housing shortage and imminent peak dry season period.

At May’s Ordinary Meeting of Council last Thursday evening, Councillors unanimously voted to make important changes to existing policies.

This included the review of the Shire’s Operation of Temporary Caravan and Camping Facilities policy, which will govern about 127 sites across three facilities in 2021.

The changes will offer more flexibility to guests and provide support to the caravan park proprietors.

The second policy to be reviewed was the Approval to Camp for up to 3 months in Areas other than Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds.

A change will now allow the Shire to consider applications exceeding three months on a case-by-case basis. While Ministerial approval is still required if the period is longer than three months, the Shire’s criteria for application has been eased.

Finally, a temporary four-week trial of overnight camping by travellers in self-contained caravans or recreational vehicles in Cable Beach Surf Club carpark will commence when permanent caravan parks near capacity. The date for commencement has not been set but will align closely with the opening of the overflow caravan parks.

This will allow conditional free camping in the southern section of the Cable Beach Surf Club carpark for a maximum of three nights.

Camping hours will be 5pm to 7am, with the potential for the trial to be reduced or extended as required.

Shire of Broome deputy president Desiree Male said the creation of additional temporary camping or housing options was a positive step.

“The Shire is acutely aware of the lack of housing in Broome and we have acted quickly to make changes to assist visitors to our town,” she said.

“We are already seeing large numbers of vehicle-based travellers arrive in Broome and more are expected – these changes will help to accommodate them in the short term.

“The Shire continues to chair monthly housing roundtable meetings with relevant state government bodies and associated agencies, with the purpose of that group to provide longer-term solutions.

“As a local government, the Shire has a limited role to play in relation to housing, but we want to get on the front foot and be part of the solution to what is a very concerning situation.”