VICTORIAN PARKS CHANGE

Dougwe · Chief one feather

VICTORIAN PARKS CHANGE

brickies · Guru

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/government-set-to-scrap-fees-for-camping-at-states-most-basic-sites/story-fni0fit3-1227288987069

Fastcoach · Senior Member

This is the best Easter present in a long time!! But why did they wait until the day before Easter to announce it?

What was the last Government thinking when it introduced these completely over the top fees. Few regular travellers want to have to have a tight schedule when they go on holidays. The booking system might be needed in peak times like Xmas and Easter, but surely during other times, it was simply all too hard for most.

We frequently used Vic National Parks with basic facilities and loved our time spent in them. Since the changes were introduced by the Napthine Nutter Party last year, we've avoided staying in them altogether. We did however visit a number of parks just to see how it was working for them. You could have shot a cannon through most of the ones we saw and not hit a thing. Almost totally deserted and just sitting there decaying.

I have no problem in paying a small fee to camp in a National Park which offers basic facilities. If that fee has to rise to say $15 per site per night to ensure the parks are able to be properly maintained, then fair enough. But expecting campers to pay what was the equivalent of a fully equipped caravan park fee was just a bridge too far. Well done Lisa Neville and Dan Andrews - you beauty!!!

Dougwe · Chief one feather

From what I was told it was a case of the masses and feedback from GOOD Rangers that look after the parks and people. They do listen and act sometimes so be nice and they will listen and pass on info to the powers to be. Don't be nice and I spose they won't listen.

Goldfinger · Senior Member

Without wishing to be too political, when considering what may first seem illogical moves..if fees are introduced that are over the top and out of touch with economic reality, and actually force folk back into more reasonably tariff caravan parks <by comparison>.....and no-one uses them as they did previously, how easy for the new statistics to show they are being under utilised and therefore possibly surplus to the <previous> Gov't requirements....and prime coastal/scenic/desirable Crown land, and potential <party donation?> developers, is a very bad mix.....which rarely gives the common herd the best outcomes IMO....well done for the changes as reality returns...Hoo Roo

-- Edited by Goldfinger on Thursday 2nd of April 2015 05:29:28 PM

KFT · Guru

Thanks for the news Doug

I think it had something to do with the Shooters and Fishers Party. After all these blokes were very much affected by these fees.

see more here:

Shooters and Fishers Party announces basic camping fees to be abolished!

Today the Minister for Environment has announced that unfair basic camping fees brought in to effect by the previous government will be scrapped ahead of the Easter break.

The Shooters and Fishers Party of Victoria have been working with The Minister, Parks Victoria and various groups to have this fee system reviewed.

Fees for camping in National Parks introduced by the previous Coalition Government had an adverse effect on families affordability to enjoy the great outdoors. There will be no more fees for camping sites in Victorian National Parks where by no services or facilities are provided and maintained.

As of today, over 500 basic camping sites on more than 70 campgrounds in 19 parks throughout regional Victoria will have no fees.

The booking system for these sites will remain in place until 1st July 2015. Customers who have made a booking between now and 1st July will be refunded automatically by Parks Victoria and their bookings will still be honored.

Daniel Young MP for Northern Victoria Region stated The Shooters and Fishers Party wishes that all Victorian families have the opportunity to enjoy and explore the outdoors. Camping with your family is an important part of our lives.

Jeff Bourman MP for Eastern Victoria Region stated "The Shooters and Fishers Party is glad that all Victorians will be able to access affordable holiday options and build memories of quality family time enjoying the lovely scenery our state has to offer. Many of us have grown up treasuring memories of family camping trips and it is important we are able to pass these experiences on to the next generation."

For more information on walks, activities and whats open to visitors during school holidays and the Easter break, please visit www.parks.vic.gov.au or call 13 19