‘THE GREAT Outdoors Package’. This phrase
may conjure a bearded demi-god, rolling in on
his hi-lift 4x4, arm dangling out the window,
with a mean-looking camper trailer following
along behind him like a loyal rottweiler.
But it actually refers to an exciting
$107.2 million investment by the Victorian
Government, with the aim of helping locals and
visitors to better enjoy the outdoor world.
The really eye-catching part of it is that,
since July 1, camping fees in state and national
parks have been reduced by 50 per cent. On
top of this there will be upgrades to 30 existing
campsites and the introduction of 30 new ones,as well as improvements to walkingtr
and 4WD tracks.
While ‘permanently fixed, roofed
accommodation including cabins,lodg
or huts’ do not benefit from the reduc
fee, that matters not for our towing
community.
Victorian Premier, Dan Andrews, had this to
say: “Camping is more than just a great hobby,
it’s big business for our regional and rural
towns. It’s more customers for our shops, cafes
and tourist attractions – and that means more
jobs for Victorians.”
Parks Victoria says that anyone who has50 PER CENT OFF CAMPING IN VICTORIA
A 100 million dollar investment by the Victorian governmentiss
to improve campsites, walking trails, and 4WD tracks withinthe
state. Plus, camping at state and national parks is now half pric
FARMERS IN Victoria who host campers
and caravan owners on their property to
supplement their income have been old to offer
the same facilities as commercial caravan parks
in order to meet regulations.
Rural newspaper The Weekly Times reported
that under current state rules, farmers who earn
money from travellers on their properties must
provide showers, toilets, hot water, sewerage or
septic systems, lit roadways and paths, and an
on-site manager for “office hours”.
Former farmer and founder of agritourism
website Youcamp.com, James Woodford, toldthe newspaper property owners in cities and
towns were benefiting from platforms such as
AirBNB, but farmers were generally missing out,
and a more “sensible and affordable” approach
was needed.
“The biggest problem is (authorities) make
farmers apply (for permits) as if they’re setting
up a big caravan park and the reality is in most
cases they’re just providing a parking space for
a fully contained camper,” he said.
Of the 256 properties in regional Victoria that
had registered on his YouCamp website, he said
only 105 were still operating as “many haveShould farmers have to observe the same regulations as tourist parks,
if they are regularly hosting campers on their property?
VIC FARMS TOLD TO BE ‘LIKE CARAVAN PARKS’
been shut down by councils”.
King Valley farmers John and Sharon Jarrott
offered yurts — large dome-shaped tents — to
campers but were shut down because they
failed to meet regulations. The pair have spent
thousands of dollars over 12 months to meet
requirements, including $5000 for a septic
tank, and now have Council approval. They
described the laws as draconian.
“You couldn’t even get a caravan up the hill
but we have to become a caravan park,” Sharon
Jarrott said.
But Pyrenees mayor and Rural Councils
Victoria executive board member Robert Vance
said he “absolutely” believed farmers should
have to meet the same regulations as caravan
parks. He told The Weekly Times his biggest
concern was safety. — ABrailsges
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paid full price for an advanced booking of a
campsite for after July 1 will be refunded.
While the reduced fees may increase the
popularity of camping in Victoria, the demand
versus supply equation will be weighed up and
reviewed by Parks Vic as time progresses. The
addition of 30 new campgrounds over the next
four years ought to cater to increased visitation.Camping in Gippsland
PICTURE CREDIT:
Visit VictoriaJuss tryna earna buck, bucko
PICTURE CREDIT: josh hodge