Michael Warren

Journalist

Dear Editor,

We have lived now at beautiful Newell Beach for nine years.

We have had problems with overnight campers across the road (at the beach) and dogs off (the) leash for the last five years.

I have made numerous complaints to Douglas Shire Council about dogs (being) off the leash every day, campers hanging out their clothes to dry, loud music, drinking alcohol, generator noise, dogs barking and so on which is all happening at Newell Beach.

These types of people using the beach as a free home leave before the (Council) law people start work and return (in the evenings) after they finish.

Living opposite the parkland we have had thousands of leaves and other things that blow into our property which we clean up without a worry, not a problem.

But today was different - while raking the leaves up in the front yard I noticed paper being blown across the road into our yard with the leaves.

On further inspection I noticed it was used toilet paper blown into our yard from across the road. That’s enough.

I rang Douglas Shire Council and complained about it, the woman on the phone (allegedly) then said ‘unfortunately it (the used toilet paper) is on private property (my yard) (therefore) it is your responsibility to clean it up’ - please explain that to me?

Is this a joke ?

Something needs to be done now about this.

We need to employ more (Council) law officers.

They advertise contact seven days a week and after hours.

I’ve tried calling officers after normal office hours and that doesn’t work. (I recommend) handing out more on-the-spot fines and a lot more advertisement on social media (about) ‘no free camping in the Douglas Shire’ - anywhere.

The Council have made rules for free campers and dogs off (the) leash but they have trouble in applying these rules.

The free campers and locals make a joke out of this already fragile Council and its rules.

Regards,

Ken Hannan – Newell Beach