Press release just issued -

The Minister for Local Government, Bryan Green, said todayTasmania is very much open for business for caravan and motorhome tourists.

I want to dispel rumours circulating in the wider caravan and motorhome sector in response to the recent decision from the Tasmanian Economic Regulator," Mr Green said.
 
Tasmania has long been an attractive destination for people who enjoy freedom camping or having parking facilities available for overnight stops for caravans.
 
We will continue to promote this market to our world-class destinations.
 
Mr Green said the State Government was working with local government, tourism operators and industry stakeholders to look at the broader issues and propose a statewide policy and uniform pricing methodology for councils for freedom camping and self-contained caravans and motorhomes.
 
I am aware that councils are  keen to support economic growth in their municipalities, particularly in regional areas where they and Tourism Tasmania are actively encouraging caravans and motorhomes to visit.
 
It is also crucial for these smaller communities to attract and maintain viable tourism businesses, including privately-owned caravan parks.
 
The Regulators findings only ensure that there is a level playing field for private operators.
I understand that some councils are finding it difficult to balance the competing demands of regulatory requirements, economic benefits, consumer demands and ratepayer requirements when providing low-cost or free parking sites for caravans.

In order to support councils in their decision-making we will develop a directions paper looking at the issues for councils and propose a statewide policy and uniform pricing for councils for freedom camping and self-contained caravans and motorhomes.
 
Mr Green said he expected to receive the paper by the end of next month.
 
There will be an opportunity for key stakeholders, such as the Caravan Industry Association of Tasmania, the Caravan and Motorhome Club of Australia and the Tourism Industry Council, to make submissions, Mr Green said.
 
Representatives from the Department of Premier and Cabinets Local Government Division, the Local Government Association of Tasmania, the Department of Treasury and Finance and Tourism Tasmania are collectively preparing the paper.
 
Mr Green said the Director of Local Government is writing to key stakeholders seeking submissions.