The State Government’s free camping program on Crown land near rivers has turned river frontages into dumping grounds and led to costly damage for nearby residents.
The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad has urged the Minister for the Environment to urgently review the impact of riverfront Crown land camping, as residents report rubbish dumping and serious property damage.
In 2021 the government permitted camping on some Crown land next to Victorian rivers.
“At the time, concerns were raised about the lack of transparency, and farmers were left frustrated and angry about the potential damage to fences, gates being left open and the impact on their livestock,” Ms Broad said.
“At Meadow Valley Dam, south of Lake Eppalock, up to 100 campers occupy Crown land waterfront at any one time.
“Since camping was allowed, adjoining landowners in Mia Mia have faced illegal rubbish dumping.
“I have seen photos of piles of tyres, furniture and old equipment being left at the site. They have had trees cut down, campfires have been left burning, and they have had repeated trespassing on their property.
“An irrigation pump has been damaged multiple times, including the float being shot with a shotgun.”
Ms Broad said the family had attempted all avenues available to them, but their protests had fallen on deaf ears.
“Their reports to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Goulburn–Murray Water, the City of Greater Bendigo and Victoria Police are just handballed to someone else.
“The Minister must review the impact of riverfront Crown land camping and take action to protect these adjoining landowners, including restricting camping, enforcing compliance and preventing damage to private property.”
You can see Gaelle’s question in Parliament here: Riverfront Crown land camping
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764
