The future of free camping at a Victorian lake much loved by grey nomads appears safe.
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning has just released its Greens Lake Action Plan, and there are no indications that free camping at the site at Corop could be a casualty of any changes.
Indeed, the plan is at pains to point out that the promotion of water-based recreation throughout north central Victoria can attract visitors to the region and boost the local economy … and it specifically mentions the value of camping.
“Free camping has been available at Greens Lake for a long time, and this is very appealing for visitors,” the plan states. “It is important to note that Goulburn-Murray Water will continue to offer free camping at Greens Lake, and it will remain open to visitors for recreation.”
It says that its commitment to free camping at Greens Lake is both ‘in the short-term and ongoing’.
The lake is also a popular spot for activities such as kayaking, birdwatching, camping and walking.
Greens Lake was officially decommissioned as an irrigation storage in 2019 and is set to transition back to its natural wetland condition under the draft Greens Lake Action Plan. Returning the lake to a natural wetland will benefit plants and animals, including small-bodied fish and many species of water birds, such as the brolga.
In other good news for grey nomads, the Victorian Government is also supporting Goulburn-Murray Water in its plans to establish a free camping ground at Waranga Basin, about 30 kilometres south-east of Greens Lake.
The Action Plan states that, in the short term, a free camping option at Waranga Basin will be designed, with consideration of site suitability, access, facilities, and any environmental and cultural heritage permit requirements.
It says that, in the medium term, a minimum of 50 free camping spots and improved recreational facilities will be established, with construction set to begin in September, 2022.
Recreational users are invited to give their feedback on the draft action plan here. The consultation period ends on January 31, 2022.
I have been to Greens Lakes several times. I fail to see how relying on the rainfall to provide water will benefit anything, wildlife, fish, birds or campers. I understand that Goulburn Murray Water don’t wish to wear the cost of adding water, but surely tourism Victoria can assist?.
Please check the amount of water pumped in annually over a number of years would provide an estimate of how long the water will take to dry out. Just look at the photo of the boat ramp, it shows how low the water level is already.
I think you will find that it will be dry in the not to distant future. ♂️♂️
Great that they have free camping but very disappointed that there is no longer boating there. It was the best lake for that recreation as other lakes around here have too many trees for skiing etc …. very disappointing
We have camped there a number of times.
Returning it to a natural wetland will benefit the environment although most campers obviously prefer to look at an ”artificial” lake.
A similar thing happened near Benalla when Lake Mokoan was drained to become Winton Wetlands.
It now attracts nature based tourism.
I have also camped at Greens Lake several times and the water level height since Goulburn Murray Water took over has been low. The new amenities block has been a great improvement. The area can be very wet and muddy with access some camp sites is a problem which could be easily fixed.
Can some one please confirm that boats are no longer allowed or are the water levels too low for boats?
I watch all the users at the waranga basin and have witnessed people emptying their porta potties into the basin and the amount of rubbish that we both collect or ring GWM to come and clean up. GMW supply bins at Greens Lakes will they do the same at the Basin. There are always around I bins around at the wall. You can walk down to the green shed and quite often find human waste. Disgusting sice the public toilet would be only around 600mts away.
You have 3 commercial properties around the basin who have rules and regulations will these campers be able to disturb the peace that these properties offer their customers. I am not agaist free camping but when these businesses pay rent and rates how is this fair?