Campers taking up long-term occupancy at a camping location along the banks of the Snowy River are causing concern for local residents and business owners in Marlo and Orbost alike.
The Orbost and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ODCCI) and a number of Marlo community groups have been hearing from local residents and business operators of the impact these campers are having on the amenity of the area.
These groups have joined forces in a working group to address the community concerns raised with them.
“There are eight identified sites along the Snowy River between Marlo and Orbost which over the years have been developed for the use of the local community and for short-term camping for tourists,” ODCCI secretary, Garry Squires said.
“Many of these sites have fishing platforms, canoe launching areas and picnic tables.
“Unfortunately, a group of individuals has taken it upon themselves to occupy one of these eight precious and unique areas as their own personal space.
“The local community and passing tourists are effectively prevented from using this area and this has been the case for many months. In addition, there are concerns at the degradation of the site.”
The local working group says there has been formal communication to Minister Dimopoulos of the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and to the Conservation Regulator, which is part of DEECA, highlighting the communities’ concerns.
“It is very encouraging to see that there have been a number of visits to the site by DEECA staff and police over the past few weeks, and we look forward to a positive outcome in the near future,” Mr Squires said.
The sense of the working group is that the majority of users of these sites respect the environment and appreciate the privilege to camp overnight, picnic, fish, or just relax by the mighty Snowy River.
While the local working group understands there may be challenging issues dealing with the illegal campers, the focus is on ensuring that these sites are a shared asset for short term community use.
