DECEMBER 2021

'Irreversible environmental impacts'

Landowners warned about illegal camps

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A VICTORIAN council has warned it will take action against landowners who allow illegal camping on private rural properties.

Mansfield Shire Council says some were advertising camping facilities without relevant approvals and appropriate facilities.

It is concerned that many of the locations would place campersat severe fire risk.

 There could also be environmental impacts on waterways and vegetation, with campers often not having access to septic systems and other services.

"The risk to human life from natural hazards such as bushfires, floods and storms is unacceptable," Mayor Cr James Tehan said.

"There are irreversible environmental impacts of camping illegally on our waterways, which run directly into Lake Eildon. When landholders go around Council's permit system, they take people's lives and our environment into their own hands.

"There are legitimate accommodation providers who have been doing it tough over the past couple of years and this kind of activity undermines the viability of these businesses."

The council said planning permits were required to set up camping and caravan parks across the shire, adding that the process included an assessment which considered risks, including fire, water quality and environmental impacts.

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