Council Takes Action Against Illegal Camping Sites

Published on 03 December 2021

Council is taking action against illegal commercial camping on private rural properties.

Since travel is still more difficult, the demand for camping sites and local holidays is growing. While this is great news for Mansfield Shire’s tourism economy, Council has been made aware that some rural properties are advertising as accommodation stays for campers on digital marketplaces without relevant approvals and often appropriate facilities.

Many of these locations would place campers in locations of severe fire risk. This is on top of the environmental impacts on our waterways and vegetation, with campers often not having access to septic systems and other services.

Mayor Cr James Tehan said that he hoped that rural landholders would do the right thing and reconsider any listing they may have to host campers on their property without approval.

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

“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.

“We know that 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.”

Planning permits are required to set up camping and caravan parks across the Shire. The process of obtaining a planning permit includes an assessment that considers risks, including fire, water quality and environmental impacts.

Accommodation providers within Mansfield Shire must comply with relevant regulations. If you are considering starting up an accommodation business on your property Council can help you answer any questions you might have and point you in the right direction.