A South West shire is calling on community members to help tackle illegal camping in the region.

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River has been working with community members for the past year to find balanced, practical solutions to the issue, and hopes to add new voices to its working group.

The group will help guide policy, education and enforcement approaches to address illegal camping and peak-season challenges.

The shire said in a statement it was seeking a diverse range of voices, including residents from all corners of the shire, tourism industry representatives, seasonal visitors, and service providers. “Participation is an opportunity to positively influence how we respond to illegal camping and manage peak-season pressures for the benefit of the whole community,” the statement said. “Group members will be required to attend regular monthly meetings and be asked to provide feedback on a variety of peak-season issues. “This is a 12-month position, and new group members will be recruited annually. Group members are expected to be available for one hour-long meeting each month.

“Meetings are held on a weekday evening.”

The shire is also running a community feedback survey which closes on August 12, alongside expressions of interest for those wishing to participate in the working group.