As has been widely reported, the Tasmanian Economic Regulator recently ruled in favour of caravan parks which claimed that a number of local councils were acting unfairly by providing free sites for visitors.
However, reacting to growing fears that grey nomads and others might stay away from the island state in their thousands, the government has attempted to reassure caravanners and motorhomers that it is very much business as usual..
“I want to dispel rumours circulating in the wider caravan and motorhome sector in response to the recent decision from the Tasmanian Economic Regulator,” said Minister for Local Government, Bryan Green. “Tasmania has long been an attractive destination for people who enjoy freedom camping or having parking facilities available for overnight stops for caravans … we will continue to promote this market to our world-class destinations.”
Now, that is a relief!
In a statement, Mr Green said the State Government was working with local government, tourism operators and industry stakeholders to look at the broader issues and propose a statewide policy and uniform pricing methodology for councils for freedom camping and self-contained caravans and motorhomes.
“I am aware that councils are keen to support economic growth in their municipalities, particularly in regional areas where they and Tourism Tasmania are actively encouraging caravans and motorhomes to visit,” he said. ““It is also crucial for these smaller communities to attract and maintain viable tourism businesses, including privately-owned caravan parks.”
Mr Green said the Regulator’s findings would only ensure that there was a level playing field for private operators.
“I understand that some councils are finding it difficult to balance the competing demands of regulatory requirements, economic benefits, consumer demands and ratepayer requirements when providing low-cost or free parking sites for caravans,” he said. “In order to support councils in their decision-making we will develop a directions paper looking at the issues for councils and propose a statewide policy and uniform pricing for councils for freedom camping and self-contained caravans and motorhomes.”
Now, that will make for interesting reading. Mr Green said he expected to receive the paper by the end of next month.
Watch this space everybody … and keep your fingers crossed!
