Pioneer Lake lock out
October 2, 2024
By Rachel Williams
Access to a popular North East camping spot has been closed by State authorities with a large group of locals furious they are being victimised as a result of bad behaviour by a few.
Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service has installed boulder barriers and “improved signage aiming to discourage vehicle access to the northern edge of Pioneer Lake”.
A letter to Dorset Council explaining the decision says PWS received multiple complaints from the local Pioneer community over “unruly behaviour” occurring on the Crown land.
“After meeting with numerous locals on site, the issue was discussed, and it was agreed that the preferred outcome was restricting all vehicle access into the site,” the letter said.
Commissioner Andrew Wardlaw said it was disappointing that it appears “the actions of a few have impacted the overall use of this area for recreational pursuits”.
“However, Council respects the decision made by Parks and Wildlife Service,” he said.
But those impacted are not as complimentary, saying it’s a lazy way to manage the situation.
A large group of local families, who have camped in the same spot at the lake for more than two decades, are fuming at the decision and the lack of community consultation.
Dale Jessup said PWS had blocked vehicles with caravans and boats from accessing the eastern side of the lake, where there are around 10 large campsites.
His family and a number of other families have spent 20 years visiting the area over Christmas and throughout summer, with their next holiday plans now in limbo.
“Users of the lake have tried to engage with PWS over management of the area, but nothing has been done,” Mr Jessup said.
“A meeting was held with a PWS officer approximately five years ago due to concerns over safety around the lake, hooning and litter. Parks committed to do some work on management of the area including some signage, but nothing was done.
“The group I go camping with do a spring maintenance trip where five to six vehicles and trailers head up to fix any issues with the entry road, trim branches and have a clean-up. We pick up at least two trailer loads of rubbish and remove it each year. I know several other groups of local campers do the same.
“There seems to have been no consideration for long-term campers who are the ones who do look after the area. In the whole time I have
camped at Pioneer I have never seen a Parks vehicle or officer in the area. Not once.”
Mr Jessup said there would still be access to the back side of the lake for side-by-side vehicles, 4wd bikes and motorbikes.
“With no campers to interrupt their activities I can only imagine the mess that will be created,” Mr Jessup said.
He’s called on the Council and other politicians to fight for the rights of campers.
“I for one am getting sick of people outside our area telling us how we should live. It would be great if I could go talk to a Councillor about it and it seems from an e-mail I have seen, Council staff have just accepted the site is now closed,” Mr Jessup said.
“I am bitterly disappointed about this decision. I feel sorry for my kids and their kids. The only place you will be allowed to camp soon is in a caravan park, and that’s not camping!”
A PWS spokesperson said Pioneer Lake remains open for recreational use.
“Camping is not permitted at the site; it is not maintained as a camping site
and there are no available facilities,” they said.
“Pioneer Lake continues to be publicly accessible via the boat ramp located at the southeastern lake edge off Racecourse Road.
“There are council maintained public recreational facilities including, barbeques, toilets and rubbish bins available on the corner of Racecourse Road and Main Road, Pioneer.
“Previous attempts by PWS that included erection of signage advising
the site is for day use only and camping was not permitted have been removed and/or failed to mitigate the unauthorised activities.”