A bill to be introduced to the Victorian Parliament today seeks to revise laws preventing people from camping on the banks of certain state-owned rivers.
The Age newspaper reports that a significant number of Victoria’s riverbanks are on Crown land. In some cases, this land is licensed – usually to farmers for grazing – which prevents camping.
If the bill is passed, the government will selectively allow camping in some of these areas – if it judges them to pose a low risk to the environment.
“Victorians love the great outdoors and this legislation will make it easier for them to get out and enjoy it,” Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said.
The Age reports that the new legislation also seeks to strengthen environmental protection in some areas of the state. If passed, it would establish the Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park, covering about 40 kilometres of the Bass Coast between San Remo and Inverloch.
Yallock-Bulluk will link two existing parks and amalgamate a scattering of smaller coastal reserves.
The bill also includes greater protections for the Yellingbo Conservation Area, a small patch of forest in the Upper Yarra Valley that hosts several threatened species, including the critically endangered helmeted honeyeater and the lowland Leadbeater’s possum.
According to the Age, about 2500 hectares of the old-growth Kuark Forest in East Gippsland will become part of the Errinundra National Park.
How is camping going to endanger wildlife.
Not all campers respect the environment. Some people urinate near waterways which contaminates wildlife’s watersource. Some people damage trees and bushes by breaking off branches. Others trample small plants when they walk. Some people cause soil erosion either by their foot traffic or vehicles. They leave fires still smouldering. People bring in dogs which may chase or scare wildlife. People camping along waterways can scare animals away from their watersource. I could go on. I love camping and am amazed at the amount of damage and rubbish people leave behind. Also how they don’t consider how their actions may damage the homes, and food and water sources of animals, birds, reptiles and insects. Unfortunately the damaged caused by only a few can impact on the access the rest of us have to camping areas. Wishing you many happy days of camping.
Good move. Step in right direction
Great initiative but please be sure to monitor these precious places. I’ve seen too many beautiful camping spots turned into low class communities with rubbish excrement and yobbos ruining it for the well intentioned camper. They need enforced time limits (1 week?), self contained or access to a toilet, fires ? I love our country and as am so disheartened when I see people showing no respect.
This is a step in the right direction but visitors must be controlled.
Charge a reasonable fee so rangers can be employed to supervise.
Unfortunately there are too many ‘inconsiderates’ out there: Noise & rubbish polluters in the main apart from some environmental savages who chop trees and trample plants.
Surely a minority that spoil it for all but how much junk, rubbish and toilet paper have we come across on our 12-month lap of Oz. It is a disgrace!
Therefore all camp sites must be somewhat policed and visitors kept in check (but no bollards, please!)
Just spent a few days on the banks of the Murray near Echuca, all the negatives had been abundantly distributed by previous visitors. I welcome the news but would also welcome the enforcement of proper rules…. and yes that would lead to employment of enforcement officers, but that could be a good thing if it helps improve existing places and prevents degradation of the the new ones.
Sarge.
Curious… How many of these places have ablution facities ~ ie toilet/shower/etc?
ps… Is therea limit re. length of stay?