Quite some time ago now Hancock's
Lookout was closed by the local council to overnight camping. I suspect some locals with self interest in mind were behind the closure. A local from Willmington named Dave Windgrove has been working tirelessly ever sinced to have it reopened. At his request, I and many others wrote to the council as to why this iconic
lookout should remain open to overnight camping.
Well Dave's hard work has paid off and he has just posted the following;
"MAY 2, 2017 — As of the end of the fire ban season April 30th, 2017, District Council Mt Remarkable (disremarkable council) have allowed self contained camping for a 6 month trial period at Hancock's
Lookout near
Wilmington S.A. . No fires or camping on fire ban days. The road in has been graded and tidied up, it was in very poor condition. Under the DCMR bilaws, there is no camping allowed along council controlled roads if it is not sign posted to do so. DCMR do not have any control over camping along any of the DPTI controlled roads ( main highway roads). Please support the local businesses and enjoy your stay in the DCMR area and please keep all camping areas tidy, this has been a long fight to get camping back, we don't want to loose the privilege again. Dave Wingrove
Wilmington.
Extract from DCMR minutes
That Council designate Hancock's
Lookout for overnight
free camping and fires in accordance with By-Law No.4 Local Government Land, for a trial period of six (6) months commencing at the end of the declared 2016 –2017 fire ban season under the following conditions:
1. Camping is permitted for one (1) night only;
2. Camping is only permitted outside of the declared fire season and not on any declared fire ban day;
3. Any person lighting a campfire will be totally liable for any loss, damage or harm caused by the fire;
4. Campfires are subject to any ban, prohibition, restriction, or other requirement under the Fire and Emergency
services Act 2005, the Native Vegetation Act 1991 or a prescribed act (clause 5(4)
Environment Protection (Air Quality) Policy 2016)."
This is a great spot with panoramic
views across Spencer Gulf. Lets hope that everyone follows these simple rules so that it becomes permanent. Very
well done Dave.