The Victorian government’s plan to allow camping on river frontage crown land has sparked an absolute avalanche of community feedback.
After receiving more than 1,000 submissions on the proposal from a range of key stakeholders such as licence holders, fisher and environmental groups, the consultation period has now been extended until April 26.
As part of the 2018 election commitments, the State Government committed to guarantee access to fishing and camping on river frontage crown land.
The Parks and Crown Land Amendment Bill would allow people to access river and creek frontages for camping, fishing and outdoor activities. No changes would come into effect until September 1, 2021.
The Bendigo Advertiser reports that the proposed changes have the potential to have an impact on an additional 17,000kms of Victorian river and creek frontages. And judging by the volume of submissions already received, the issue will continue to divide opinion.
Farmers are reportedly deeply concerned that the draft regulations fail to mention the landholder or issues such as trespass and public liability. Many apparently fear that – in the absence of adequate resourcing including additional authorised officers – they will be left to do the policing, becoming de facto park rangers.
However, a Victorian Fisheries Authority spokeswoman told the Advertiser that the public was already able to lawfully access licensed river frontages for recreation, such as fishing, picnicking and hiking. And she said the public was also allowed to camp in state forests, in harmony with farmers who had grazing licences.
With potential conflict looming between landowners and some campers, some feel the only way to go is to introduce designated camping areas.
“The idea is good – the management is difficult,” Shepparton vet Angus McKinnon told the Bendigo Advertiser. “The regulations will place the onus of control on the landholder and bring direct conflict between campers and land managers or owners of adjacent freehold.”
He said there was clearly the potential for campers to disturb livestock, camp close to freehold dwellings and exhibit bad and difficult-to-manage behaviour. He argued that designated camping areas could be well managed and provide for toilets and rubbish removal.
“If designated areas are not provided, then education needs to occur on how to avoid livestock,” he said. “The liability of owners of freehold associated with river leasehold country needs to be specifically addressed … who would be responsible when livestock are involved in an accident or when campers do not shut gates?”
As a recently retired ranger it’s almost impossible to enforce and move on illegal campers and many times required police assistance that could only be enforced once I as the legal representative asked the campers to leave, then the police could act. Often it hours for police to attend tying up my schedule as well as stress and danger to me personally. And this is on gazetted camping spots. So imagine what a free for all this will become to all. The minority will ruin it for all.
spot on ..
This is going to be great! I live permanently in a caravan park on a river. So i guess i can now sell my place and camp on the crown land in the caravan park for free…..That would make sense and the manager would have no say about it! Win, win!!
Interesting comment from Vic Fisheries on access to river frontage on crown land leases..what’s omitted from the “comments” is that this access is in conjunction with permission from the lease holder, especially when crossing private property to access the river.
A. It only applies to crown land.
B. Citizens have always had a right to access crown land subject to various conditions.
C. There is a 72 hour limit.
D. It is better for adjacent land owners than not being able to lease it and being up for half the cost of installing fences.