AUGUST 2021

Delivering on a promise

Victorian Government plans to approve hundreds of new riverside campsites

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HUNDREDS of new camping areas could be opening on the banks of Victoria's rivers, it has been revealed.

Up to 27 sites along the Goulburn, Broken, Ovens, Campaspe, Loddon and Murray rivers are already being assessed.

The Victorian Government has consulted extensively with communities and is finalising new regulations governing recreational use of Crown land river frontages which would become effective from September 1 this year.

It said camping would only be allowed on suitable sites, with a rigorous assessment process being applied to ensure they would be safe for camping.

Environmental and agricultural impacts are being considered as well as any impact on Aboriginal cultural heritage.

More than 1100 submissions were received during consultations on the draft regulations.

The government said the plan would reflect the expectations of the entire community, providing a fair balance between providing opportunities for recreation while ensuring the environment and Aboriginal cultural heritage are protected.

The interests of adjoining landowners and licence holders would also be considered.

Regulations will be enforced by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Victorian Fisheries Authority and Parks Victoria.

This will ensure the protection of the environment, Aboriginal cultural heritage and the interests of recreational users, licensees and adjoining landowners are considered.

A 24-hour hotline (13FISH) will be available for the public to report any illegal or antisocial behaviour.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D'Ambrosio said the government was striking the right balance to ensure riverside public land is protected for generations to come.

Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne said the government was delivering on its promise to open up more sites for camping alongside rivers.

"We know Victorians already love to enjoy the outdoors in different ways, including fishing," she said.

"Applying this rigorous assessment process will ensure that people are safe and our environment is protected."

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