They have been concerned for months about the number of homeless people setting up in tents, many of whom they argued were engaging in antisocial behaviour.

Alcohol and drugs, they said, were being consumed, off-leash dogs were menacing walkers and illegal fires being lit.

Some people were so fearful, they no longer used the showground.

So when council last week voted unanimously to restrict camping to motor homes and caravans and allow tents only when they were associated with an event, such as the Nowra Show, the residents were thrilled.

As it happens council was already planning to have the homeless people moved on by Christmas Day, knowing the show would roll around very quickly.

Rangers were visiting the showground regularly, referring the homeless campers to agencies and services that could help them find more suitable accommodation.

This was a form of supervision but it did not placate residents, who complained rules relating to the lighting of fires, restraint of animals and consumption of alcohol were being flouted.

When we checked with police if there had been a spike in crime in and around the showground we were told there had been no reports. Police urged concerned residents to report all incidents.

While it is good news for the residents, and we accept the showground’s camping area was looking shabby, we wonder if the dispersal of the homeless people will actually result in them being swept under the carpet, with no one looking out for them.

Homelessness is a complex issue that has eluded a solution despite the efforts of successive state governments. No amount of work by Shoalhaven City Council on its own was going to solve it. Council was under no illusion it could. 

Homeless people can find themselves living rough under all sorts of circumstances. Their needs are complex; their ability to find suitable accommodation wildly variable.

As unsightly and scary their showground camp was, at least they were visible and more likely to be sent in the direction of help.

The last thing we want to see next winter are people succumbing to plunging temperatures out of sight and out of mind.