New camping locations alongside rivers are to be opened with hundreds of areas being investigated as possible camping sites.
Minister for Fishing and Boating, Melissa Horne said Victorians would have more options to enjoy the great outdoors from 1 September with regulations governing recreational use of Crown land river frontages to be finalised shortly.
“Camping will only take place on suitable sites, with a rigorous assessment process applied to ensure sites will be safe for camping, with environmental and agricultural impacts considered as well as any impact on Aboriginal cultural heritage,” Ms Horne said.
“Up to 27 sites along the Goulburn, Broken, Ovens, Campaspe, Loddon and Murray Rivers are currently being assessed with hundreds to follow,” she said.
“More than 1,100 submissions were received during consultation on the draft regulations.”
The Minister said the regulations would be enforced by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Victorian Fisheries Authority and Parks Victoria to ensure the protection of the environment; Aboriginal cultural heritage; and the interests of recreational users, licensees and adjoining landowners.
Ms Horne said the public could already lawfully access licensed river frontages for recreation such as fishing, hiking and picnicking.
