Susanna Freymark
People in vans and caravans have been told to leave the Kyogle Showground before the show on September 27–28.
There are currently 40 sites at the showground. The people living there, some for more than two years, are used to packing up and moving out while an event is on. This time they’ve been told not to come back. Read about that here.
The campers said they only found out they couldn’t return on September 29 at a meeting with the Kyogle Showground Trust Committee last Wednesday, August 21.
Crown Lands has said it is aware of the unauthorised camping at Kyogle Showground.
A Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure spokesperson said they were working with the Kyogle Showground and the Public Recreation Land Manager (the statutory Crown land manager for the showground) and Kyogle Council regarding the unauthorised use of the showground for what they call ‘primitive camping’.
The council has requested the showground manager submit a Development Application seeking approval for ‘primitive camping’, the Crown Lands spokesperson said.
For the showground manager to submit a DA, Crown Lands have to consent.
Kyogle Council has said, “To be clear Crown Lands prescribes what the land can be used for.”
In March 2024, after the receipt of complaints from showground users, community groups and residents, Kyogle Council advised the Showground Land Manager that under State Government legislation, an approval was required to operate a primitive camping ground, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of campers and Showground users.
Kyogle Council has said it does not and has not objected to a primitive camping ground.
To date, no DA has been lodged for approval to operate a primitive camping ground.
Crown Lands has no objection to primitive camping at the showground, the spokesperson said.
IndyNR.com has asked them to define what ‘primitive camping’ means. Is it short terms stays? Is it no camping infrastructure?
Crown Lands has said it’s working with the council to provide support where needed for any people who may be experiencing homelessness. They did not provide any evidence of this support.
Kyogle Family Support Services said they are doing what they can to assist with the situation.
We’ve done everything in our power to support the community at the showground, KFSS said.
The organisation holds regular service days where they have a free barbecue and provide information about the services available including connecting people with Social Futures and the Connecting Homes Program.
“This is bigger than us,” KFSS said.
Staff said they have reached out to State MP Janelle Saffin’s office regarding the matter.
Helplines
Mental health support at NSW Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511
For people who are not displaced by the floods but are experiencing homelessness can get assistance by contacting Link2home on 1800 152 152 or at
Link2home is the statewide homelessness information and referral telephone service. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year.
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