Labor needs to revisit its free camping initiative according to Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, who said the outcome was less people enjoying the outdoors due to ‘ghost camping’.
“When this announcement was made, sites were booked under a ‘just in case we decide to go’ scenario and in some cases different family members booked sites in different locations so they could have a choice when holiday time arrived,” Mr Bull said.
“This resulted in many camp sites being left vacant over the busiest time of the year as families were denied and local communities who rely on campers to boost the local economy were impacted.
“In Queensland, campers cop a $322 fine if they are found to have double booked sites, do not turn up, or leave their tents unattended for an extended period, but in Victoria, we just allow it to happen.
“I am astounded Premier Allan and Environment Minister Dimopoulos, who announced this policy, did not have the wherewithal between them to envisage this would occur.
“One example at Corringle Foreshore Campground in East Gippsland is, all 24 sites were booked and unavailable throughout the period but at times 8-10 were not utilised for entire weeks despite all being booked on-line.
This, while others could not get a site.
“It was similar at many other camping areas where those who successfully secured bookings said sites around them remained vacant for the entire week despite showing as booked.
“The extent of the problem can be seen by simply driving around our camp sites at peak time. Parks Victoria staff know about it, but those higher up the chain won’t listen as it is a popular policy to announce on face value.
“There is very good reason people are either asked to pay a deposit, or there is a punishment involved.
“The Queensland government recognised the issue and acted, while down here in Victoria, we just allow it to occur.
The bottom line is if you are going to
introduce free camping you must
at the same time have a punishment for those who abuse the system and wreck it for others,” he said.
Shadow Minister for Public Land Management and Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath, said it is unsurprising Labor has created the ghost camping problem due to its own negligence.
“National Park camping fees were already low so there was no need for the Allan Government to make them free, and after cutting $94 million of funding from Parks
Victoria and with job losses
experienced, there are simply inadequate resources and staff available to manage site booking and monitor camping no shows,” Ms Bath said.
“Labor can’t manage our national parks, can’t manage money and regional Victorians are paying the price.”
