Shellharbour City Council Regulation Officers will be conducting regular patrols at Bass Point Reserve, Shellharbour Village, Reddall Reserve and the entire city foreshore over the Australia Day long weekend period.

Both Bass Point and Reddall Reserves will be inspected in mornings and evenings to determine whether any potential campers are present. Fines may apply.

Officers will also be ensuring that visitors to the city comply with parking regulations. The Department of Fisheries will also be conducting regular patrols at Lake Illawarra and the city’s beaches.

Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba advised people to pay attention to signage along the city’s foreshore, particularly related to parking.

“Warm sunny weather is forecast between now and Australia Day, so we anticipate our city’s foreshore will be popular with both locals and visitors to our area. We want to ensure our beautiful reserves are protected, respected and enjoyed by all users,” Cr Saliba said.

Once parking at Bass Point Reserve reaches capacity (57 legal parking spaces), the gates will be monitored and drivers will be permitted access on a one vehicle in, one vehicle out system, or redirected.

Visitors will still able to access the reserve on foot and parking outside of Bass Point Reserve remains open.

Cr Saliba said she empathised with people who may be disappointed having to wait for parking to become available in the reserve. However, she said Council would rather manage access to the available parking spaces rather than fine people who park illegally.

“We are expecting an extremely busy weekend due to the forecast for beautiful weather. We need to carefully balance the large number of visitors expected with the protection of this ecologically sensitive area.

“Council does not want to issue fines for illegal parking. We rely on people to do the right thing and obey signage. Unfortunately, we know from experience that this does not always happen.

“Due to the fragility of the area, it is not like we can demolish parts of the reserve to create more parking space. Bass Point is a beautiful, natural asset and we need to protect it,” Cr Saliba said.

She added that numerous illegally parked cars make access difficult for emergency services vehicles and evacuations due to fire.

Visitors to Bass Point Reserve are also reminded that off-road four-wheel-driving is prohibited in all parts of the reserve. Driving must be confined to designated roads within the reserve.

Council has arranged for additional afternoon cleaning, restocking of amenities and the emptying of bins for visitor convenience.

NOTE: Oak Flats 50m pool will be closed to the public from on Saturday and Sunday 8am to 5pm due to a regional swimming carnival. It will be open for public use on these days from 6am to 8am and 5pm to 7pm.

• For issues relating to illegal camping, parking, litter etc., contact Shellharbour City Council on 4221 6111.
• For issues regarding bag limits and over-fishing, contact the Department of Primary Industries Fisheries Compliance team on 1800 043 536 (Fishers Watch). For online reporting of illegal fishing visit: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/compliance/report-illegal-activity
• For issues relating to trail bikes, anti-social and criminal behaviour, contact Lake Illawarra Local District on 4232 5599 or 131 444.
• For issues relating to trail bike riding in prohibited areas, contact Lake Illawarra Police on 4232 5599 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/cs.aspx

Media queries: Kelli Wells 0448 361 008.