Unrestricted freedom campers will again be welcome at the Thomas Burns St car park after the Dunedin City Council voted to repeat another six-month trial starting in November.
Before councillors voted on the proposal yesterday, they heard from a holiday park owner who said the 2018-19 trial cost him thousands of dollars.
Leith Valley Holiday Park and Motels owner-operator John Aubrey said the Thomas Burn St site directly competed against local camping grounds, particularly during quieter periods.
If the trial was repeated it should be reduced to three months covering just the peak visitor season, Mr Aubrey said.
''During those busy summer months from January to March it doesn't matter so much because we're all full.
''But once you get to the end of March and in November that's when the site starts competing directly with us.''
It was not uncommon for the freedom camping site to be full while the holiday park was at less than half occupancy, he said.
Not everyone would choose a camping ground if the Thomas Burns St site was not available but a small number would.
''I personally think it's unfair to use government and ratepayers' money to compete against us in this way.''
Despite Mr Aubrey's plea, the council voted 11-1 in favour of repeating the six-month trial.
He was disappointed but not surprised by the council's decision.
Only Cr Andrew Whiley voted against it.
Cr Whiley said he could not support the trial if it remained free to stay there overnight.
''It's our ratepayers who are paying for it.
''I could support it if there was a charge of $10 to $15 a night which I believe people would pay.''
Cr Christine Garey said huge progress had been made since the Camping Control Bylaw was put in place in 2015 and the trial was just another step in the right direction.
Cr Jim O'Malley said the Thomas Burns St car park was the perfect site and the council should put more in the city.
Councillors also voted unanimously to increase the number of community rangers from two to four, subject to a successful funding application from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
Cr Lee Vandervis left the meeting before the vote was taken and Cr Mike Lord and Mayor Dave Cull did not attend the meeting.
