Vinegar Hill campers have come to a middle ground agreement with Manawatu District Council over a number of issues, including dogs and rubbish. Camper representative Dion Leslie, or “Old Queen Celine", has met with Council staff, who have made it clear their bylaw states ‘no dogs’ at Vinegar Hill. “If dog owners wish to bring their dogs, then this will be at their own risk and may be liable for an infringement of up to $200,” he says. However he says the Council has made it clear it does not have the capacity to deal with the number of dogs at Vinegar Hill over the holiday season so will only respond to any complaints “and it will be up to the dog ranger's discretion as to what (if any) actions may be taken upon a complaint”. The bylaw banning dogs from the popular riverside lgbti camping spot between Labour Weekend and Easter has not been enforced for the past 30 years, however a complaint from a single camper last holidays had caused concern that would change. It’s a tradition among many lgbti campers bring their dogs along with them to the annual Christmas and New Year gathering. Previously campers have simply been asked to make sure their pet is controlled and they deal with any messes. Any issues have been dealt with within the camp. Leslie has also made arrangements for large skip bins this year for rubbish rather than Fulton Hogan collection. He says the Council is also investigating the possibility of a glass bottle bin for recycling. In other developments, the Council has budgeted for a new toilet and shower block to be installed in 2015. There were bill port-a-loos in place before Christmas and the toilet blocks’ septic tanks will be cleaned before Christmas and on New Year’s Eve. This year’s camping fees will be $5 per person, per night, and will be collected by a nominated Queens Council Member. There may also be a rate of $3 per child.Keep up with the latest from the Vinegar Hill Queens' Council on the official Facebook page
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Friday, 5th December 2014 - 8:46am