This is another story about another short man whom I met shortly after work.

This story shows the reality of our world nowadays way too often, the way we treat and disrespect one another. Our human kindness has dissolved into apps and reception.

It was supposed to be a relaxing afternoon at Crowdy Bay National Park, one of my all-time favorite spots for photography and videography, with serenity and tranquility by the beach.

It’s been a busy week all around and all I wanted was to recharge and relax.

Not this time. Or at least from 06:30 pm that afternoon. I got so annoyed and frustrated by the ignorance and arrogance of a nasty Campground Caretaker called Bruce L, that it spoilt my day completely. Not only for the day but for days after when spending precious time on the phone or computer, writing emails to New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Services. I had no choice, I had to prove my integrity or pay a 300$ fine. This short interaction with a campground caretaker completely defeated the purpose of going to a national park. What an absolute waste of time.

I rang up The National Parks and Wildlife Service New South Wales about this particular incident with this particular individual called Bruce L. I was advised to put it in writing.

Good afternoon Kathy (name change as this is not her fault),

I spoke to you on the phone on Monday, March 4th at around 1 pm regarding a camping compliance handed to me at Indian Head at 5:50 pm on March 1st by Bruce L.

I arrived at Indian Head Campground early afternoon and parked close to the rubbish bins, which is also the point where the walking tracks start and end. I have parked there many times in the past year, since commencing work in Laurieton. All of my hobbies are based on the outdoors like fishing, hiking, photography or just relaxing from a busy lifestyle.

When I returned from the coastal track at around 6:30 pm, clearly at daylight, campground bookie Bruce came up to me and told me to pay the overnight camping fee, as he had already stuck a compliance note under my windscreen wiper. ‘You need to be out here by 6 pm he said, otherwise, it is classified as camping.’ I didn’t know what to say at first and thought someone was filming this prank. Bruce was serious and I got seriously annoyed. Where does it say I need to leave the park before 6 pm, otherwise it’s called camping? My vehicle is a Landcruiser Camper, that’s just what it is.

I told him to stuff this paper up his… He then threatened me to call the police on me. Yeah right, they have nothing better to do than to check up on me, whether I am actually camping there? Who is this clown? And which clown gave him the power to be this clown?

They can’t just walk around and issue tickets based on speculation. At 5:50 pm? With at least another hour of sunlight left?

Crowdy Bay National Park is a favorite stop to unwind and pursue serenity with a camera or fishing rod, or just to relax. That is what National Parks are for. Instead, after a relaxing afternoon by the beach, I got completely annoyed by some puppet, telling me what I could or couldn’t do. What happened to the friendly rangers who come around and have a natural chat with you? Where is this all going? And for future reference, is this going to happen again?

Regards,

Ben Furstenau

A week went by without a reply. I could end up paying 300$ AU for a visit to a National Park.

But more importantly, what was the reaction from NPWS NSW about my compliance note?

Why are people in charge who clearly don’t understand the concept of visiting a park?

A reminder email was sent and I received a reply shortly after.

Hi Ben,

The park Ranger has reviewed the information submitted by all parties involved. He has advised that the campground contractor has cancelled the Compliance Notice #13522 issued to you on 1st March, 2024 and no further action will be taken.  

With regards to visiting this area, the Ranger has advised you are allowed to park where you were and you are not required to leave by 6pm. However, if you are intending to stay and camp for the night; obviously a booking needs to be made either via our website https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation or you can call our booking centre on 1300 072 757.

NPWS is committed to keeping our park visitors and campers safe within our parks. Part of that commitment involves campground compliance, which the contractors are authorised to conduct. We apologise that on this occasion, a notice was issued to you in error and we hope you continue to visit and enjoy our beautiful parks in the future.

Thanks for bringing this to our attention and if you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact us.

Kind Regards,  

Kathy …

Administrative Assistant
Hastings-Macleay Area
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
T 02 6652 0913 W nationalparks.nsw.gov.au

Dear Kathy,

Thank you for replying to my email.

I wasn’t at all concerned that the ridiculous fine I received would have been accepted by NPWS.

My question in my last email was in regards to the clown that had issued me this fine.

How is it possible that an unqualified nitwit is in this position? I have a good connection here in this small community and this is what I know from first hand.

I know that NPWS are cutting corners and are trying to save money to employ so-called ‘Grey Nomads’ to run national park campgrounds. I also know that there have been multiple complaints about this particular crew at Diamond Head Campground. Simply rude and inhuman like nincompoops that force people to leave their campsite at exodus time, while they are changing a flat tire. It was the complete opposite on my last visit to Point Plummer. Very friendly and helpful staff that made my stay very enjoyable. My question is it Worth it?

Is NPWS doing themselves a favor by paying peanuts to monkeys? Although, monkeys have better manners and are more human-like. Surely, you must be tired of complaints from so many people? I sincerely hope that this is not the trend for the future.

Regards,

Ben Furstenau

Just a heads up, that tomorrow I will be going to Indian Head campground again.

Same place, same time, same intentions… no camping

I didn’t end up visiting Indian Head Campground that day, unfortunately, as I would have liked to see what, if any attitude had changed towards me or other day visitors. Furthermore, I never received an email reply from Kathy either.

Isn’t it a shame the way we are going? Even in places where we go to unwind and refresh with Mother Nature. I used to like camping in national parks. I dropped an envelope with 8 $ cash into an honesty box on my unplanned arrival and sat around the fire till late. The good ol’ days.

The honesty box long disappeared with the care of rangers, which are replaced with computers and phone operators.

Nowadays, one pays 24 $ per site for two people. Any person added will have to pay extra, but a single person still has to pay full price. This is a lot of money for one person, only to park his camper somewhere in the bush, which I simply can’t afford. Particularly when caring rangers are replaced by clowns.