Victorian government sticks to free camping rules in Easter lead-up

Free camping in Victoria will face another big test at Easter with pressure for rules to be changed so far resisted.

The Victorian government has resisted calls to make changes to free camping rules at Parks Victoria campsites in the lead-up to Easter.

It came under fire after the Christmas-New Year holidays for instances of “ghost camping” when people made bookings, but were no-shows, in areas from East Gippsland to Wilsons Promontory and other parts of the state.

Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos had the issue brought to his attention again in parliament recently, but no changes have been made ahead of the Easter holidays next month.

The government maintains safeguards to prevent no-shows, including reminders being sent out a week before the booking, then again 48 hours out, regular ranger patrols and booking limits were sufficient.

Orbost District Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Garry Squires. Picture: Laura Ferguson

Orbost District Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Garry Squires said the rules around free camping should have been tightened up to avoid a repeat of the “ghost camping” experienced at Christmas-New Year.

“It’s not a big issue right now, but it will be at Easter,” he said.

“Everything is generally booked out at Easter and that is the disappointing thing from a business point of view.

“Where a camp ground like Cape Conran should have 1000 people in it, it might only have 800 in it.

“As a result there is not as many people in the area as there should be.”

Cape Conran in East Gippsland experienced a drop off in visitors over summer after the introduction of free camping. Picture: Belinda VanZanen.

Gippsland East MP Tim Bull, who raised the issue in parliament recently, has been one of the most vocal critics of the free camping initiative that is running until June 30.

“Parks Victoria workers were sick of being abused for having to turn away overnight campers when they could see a large amount of sites free,” he said.

“They should not be placed in this position.

“Pay half price for peak periods, pay a refundable deposit, or introduce a fine as Queensland has done for those who abuse it.

“Whatever he chooses, the minister just needs to fix it for Easter.”