Wagga Deputy Mayor Georgie Davies has raised concerns about the impacts the planned camping grounds could have on local businesses. Photo: Wagga Wagga City Council/Councillor Georgie Davies.
Wagga Wagga’s deputy mayor has defied her fellow councillors, speaking out against the proposed use of two Wagga sporting grounds as camping grounds and accommodation for major events due to concerns they may take business away from accommodation providers.
At a recent Wagga Wagga City Council (WWCC) ordinary council meeting, councillors voted to endorse the continued planning application process for the Exhibition Centre and Wagga Cricket Ground as potential camping grounds during large events.
According to the official report from WWCC, “the primary purpose of the temporary camping grounds is to provide overflow accommodation during major events such as the NSW Touch Association Junior State Cup Southern Conference carnival, the Academy Games, and the Gears and Beers Festival.
“It is not intended to replace existing accommodation options, but rather to serve as a contingency plan that can be implemented when traditional lodging options become fully booked.”
WWCC originally suggested four sites as potential areas that campers could use during recognised events, which included the Exhibition Centre and Wagga Cricket Ground, along with the Wiradjuri Oval and Riverside Wagga Beach. However, WWCC chose to only proceed with the Exhibition Centre and the Wagga Cricket Ground.
The suggestions went on public exhibition in June and July 2024, and received more than 112 responses.
Following council’s decision to endorse the continuation of the application process for the two aforementioned grounds, Deputy Mayor Georgie Davies expressed concerns on behalf of local businesses.
“There was a lot of debate about what the trigger point is, and when we decide that this temporary camping will be needed,” she said.
“We don’t actually know what that trigger point is. Is it at 90 per cent with the local accommodation vendors being booked? But then, we have people going outside of the area to book, and that’s stimulating those economies.
“I just felt really passionately and really strongly that councils shouldn’t be taking away customers from ratepaying businesses.”
Ms Davies said it was important to find the balance between meeting the needs of travellers and the existing accommodation within the region.
“I think it’s really important that we get it right,” she said.
“There are risks of litter, antisocial behaviour, and damage to sports grounds. There are so many things that could happen. So I think it needs to be carefully managed going forward.
“It’s clear that the camp grounds are council’s way to try and find ideas, to really address the accommodation shortage, which we do know is an issue, but I think it shouldn’t come at the cost of local rate paying businesses.”
