It might be a while before Lawrence becomes "motorhome friendly'' despite a member of the public making an appeal to the community board this week.
New Zealand Motor Caravan Association Lawrence resource manager Peter Cummings addressed the Lawrence-Tuapeka Community Board at the public forum on Wednesday.
He appealed to board members to allow freedom camping in Lawrence so it could be officially recognised as "motorhome friendly'' by the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association.
The Clutha District Council excludes camping in any urban area.
Freedom camping is allowed in a self-contained unit on public land controlled by the council.
Mr Cummings said Lawrence already had enough amenities, such as a dump station, which supported the initiative.
"We're so close to it now.''
He suggested to the community board that the council should reconsider the freedom camping bylaw to allow freedom camping in Lawrence.
This would bring several economic benefits to the town.
He also said it would make Lawrence more appealing and increase tourist numbers.
The community board appeared interested in Mr Cummings' request, but concerns were raised about those not in self-contained units who abused the freedom camping bylaw.
Community board member Garry McCorkindale said he sympathised with Mr Cummings' argument but did not know how the council or community board would be able to police the law against those who were not in self-contained units.
"It's difficult to differentiate between those who don't care about the mess they leave behind.''
Mr McCorkindale said it would be great to have more tourists but not if the town could not handle it, or if it caused significant problems.
That was why there was a blanket ban against all freedom camping in urban areas, he said.
Clutha district councillor for Lawrence Geoff Blackmore said it was a major process to change a bylaw.
He also raised the cost of policing freedom campers if it was allowed.
Community board member Rowena Paterson said she believed Lawrence was already motorhome friendly enough, as freedom camping was allowed at the local Scout hall.
The council intends reviewing the freedom camping bylaw over this coming year and considering the impacts of change.
