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 October long weekend and school holiday period.

Bass Point and Reddall Reserve will be inspected each morning and evening to determine whether any potential campers are present. Camping is not permitted and 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 Chris Homer advised people to be vigilant in adhering to signage and regulations.

“High temperatures and large amounts of visitors to our city’s foreshore are anticipated for this weekend. We want to keep our cherished reserves protected and respected, so that everyone can enjoy them safely,” Mayor Homer said.

“Please pay attention to signage, particularly related to parking. Illegally parked cars make access difficult for emergency service vehicles and evacuations,” he said.

Visitors to Bass Point Reserve are reminded that off-road four-wheel-driving is prohibited in all parts of the reserve and that the designated roads within the reserve are gravel roads.

Driving must be confined to designated roads within the reserve and drivers should drive to the road conditions, particularly in wet weather.

• 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 Police on 4232 5599 or 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit https://www1.police.nsw.gov.au/cs.aspx
• Be prepared and keep up to date with Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Bans. Visit NSW Rural Fire Service website https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fdr-and-tobans