The untreated effluent has also extended into the management area which can no longer be mown as the land is too soft, and to protect workers from unnecessary risk due to the site’s contamination.

As a result of COVID19 restrictions the reserve has been closed for camping which has allowed officers to test the theory that no camping eases pressure on the septic field, allowing it to return to its normal state. It is anticipated that with day use only, the field may recover and properly function again.

Other issues at the site relate to some campers overstaying of the 48-hour camping limitation, observations of people washing dishes in the single small toilet hand washing basin and the lack of adequate drinking water onsite. Risks relating to fire safety and fallen tree limbs have also been identified.

Council’s Chair Administrator, Julie Eisenbise said the closure to campers was regrettable but necessary for the safety and health of users.

“Franklin River Reserve has proven popular with both day visitors and campers but the site can no longer sustain the number of people that have been using it. It needs to be rehabilitated. The closure of the reserve to campers is not just due to one issue but a number of ongoing problems.

“We know that the reserve is well-regarded but we cannot ignore the problems that exist with the site when it comes to camping, particularly public health concerns. We hope that the natural value of the site will be preserved by this decision,” said Ms. Eisenbise.