ARE THERE ANY REGULATIONS REQUIRED IN SETTING UP A LOW COST CARAVAN CAMP ON MY PROPERTY

Gregs1 · Member

ARE THERE ANY REGULATIONS REQUIRED IN SETTING UP A LOW COST CARAVAN CAMP ON MY PROPERTY

elliemike · Guru

Have you checked out "YouCamp" click on the Link below.

https://www.youcamp.com/about

Bill B · Guru

Your local council is the only authority that can answer your question.

-- Edited by Bill B on Friday 10th of June 2016 01:27:15 PM

Swoffer · Senior Member

Plenty do it Greg .
Im sure,as bill said , your shire would have an opinion .

Hey Jim · Guru

Hi Greg,

My understanding is. If you take monies for reward, then you leave yourself open to Pubic Liability. Cash in hand is the way to go. Now you see it. Now you don't. ( Its called Grocery money for the farmers family.) Its Just all your friends visiting, cause they like you. Stay clear of your Council Full stop.

Check with D Maxer on here. As a good gesture. He may wave his FEE!!!! For his imput. Or he might do a little bit of back rubbing himself. wink wink wink who knows. wink

Jim

brickies · Guru

Was talking to a farmer in Injune in Qeensland who set up a free camp just off the road in his property , And had to close it down his lawyer told him even through no money was changing hand he had to have public liability insurance .

hako · Guru

The other problem with cash in hand is that if you try to claim on your buildings or content insurance caused by some idiot you may find you cannot claim for damage/loss caused by invited guests.

Good Luck.

DMaxer · Guru

You are quite right, Brickies. Money has nothing to do with it. They are invitees.

Bushpie · Guru

You have told the world now..........off to your local council you go

ballast2 · Guru

G'day mate. If you get this up and running (depending on where you are) invite us. I live in the top end NT and are always looking for new places.

Cheers

dorian · Guru

ISTM that this sort of service would be in great demand. I often watch ABC's Landline program and there are always stories about farmers who find innovative ways to supplement their income. It would be a great shame if council red tape and public liability concerns were to derail such ventures. Perhaps this is the sort of idea that the farmers' friend, Barnaby Joyce, could champion in parliament.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

I guess you need to check your insurance policy . Most have public liability. But just make sure they or you know the conditions etc I wouldn't let a lawyer say so stop me with out going further into policy etc .,

elliemike · Guru

elliemike wrote:
Have you checked out "YouCamp" click on the Link below.
https://www.youcamp.com/about

Youcamp connects landowners with explorers, adventurers, private land thrill seekers, picnic aficionados, silver nomads, travellers and campers across Australia.

Youcamp caters for established sites like cottages, farm stays, B&B's and small campgrounds or single campsites or overnight RV parking on private land. Youcamp also caters for new sites of all types and sizes - maybe you are near a highway and would welcome overnight self sufficient travellers. Do you have a jetty with a spare bollard you would be happy to let a visiting boat tie up to? Or a caravan, perfect for a seasonal worker or overseas traveller looking for a labour exchange? Perhaps you are happy for people to pitch their tent on your land during that once-a-year festival when accommodation is scarce?

Nelly · Guru

Hello all - most farmers' have a public liability insurance anyway I would think. The talk was at one stage that if someone came onto your property - not invited - and hurt themselves the farmer could be liable - not sure how true this is though.

Bill B · Guru

elliemike wrote:

elliemike wrote:
Have you checked out "YouCamp" click on the Link below.
https://www.youcamp.com/about

Youcamp connects landowners with explorers, adventurers, private land thrill seekers, picnic aficionados, silver nomads, travellers and campers across Australia.
Youcamp caters for established sites like cottages, farm stays, B&B's and small campgrounds or single campsites or overnight RV parking on private land. Youcamp also caters for new sites of all types and sizes - maybe you are near a highway and would welcome overnight self sufficient travellers. Do you have a jetty with a spare bollard you would be happy to let a visiting boat tie up to? Or a caravan, perfect for a seasonal worker or overseas traveller looking for a labour exchange? Perhaps you are happy for people to pitch their tent on your land during that once-a-year festival when accommodation is scarce?

Also from YouCamp website :

5. Am I allowed to have visitors on my land?

This will be a decision for you and something that Youcamp cannot take responsibility for. You will need to make sure you dont upset your neighbours or get on the wrong side of your local council, who may require approval if you decide to have short-term visitors. Also check with your relevant state government department for any other guidelines you may not know about. Public liability insurance is the responsibility of the landholder and is attached to the title of the property. It is critical you read and agree to Youcamps Terms and Conditions before listing your property.

PeterD · Guru

Gregs1 wrote:
I am toying with the idea of setting up a small Low Cost Caravan Camp on my Property.
Greg

Greg, unfortunately you did not say where you are. If you are in WA there are severe restrictions as to how long people can stay on your land.

If you are in Qld I suggest you contact Kilcowera Station Stay, Toni is a member of several of the caravan and travel forums so I think she may be of some assistance. They are a member of Outback Beds which have some of their members concentrating on van accommodation. They also may be of assistance.

Apart from that contact your local council, you will have to deal with them eventually.

Bruce and Bev · Guru

I think the whole idea is a great one and would happily use such venues, rather than huge CPs with swimming pools etc.

Small areas that can only accommodate maybe only 5-10 vans bring out the best in people and it is a very social and pleasant atmosphere.

Unfortunately public liability insurance is required and its not cheap and you may run into problems with your own insurance company if you claim on the standard property public liability (usually $20M) if you try to claim liability or damage done to your property and the insurers find out you are hosting.

Councils and shires can also be difficult and make unreasonable demands for health issues, like disposal of waste - even though you could say RVs staying need to be self contained.

Then lastly we have some State govts, such as WA, who have time limits for an occupied RV to be on a property (even one that may be a bedroom for the home owners kids). From memory you need a council or shire permit (with the appropriate fee) if an RV stays more than about 2-4 weeks and then after that the Minister for Local Govt no less.

I think its called the Nanny State !

Cruznoz · Newbie

Hi Greg,

Despite Bruces dig at WA in the post above, all states and territories have legalisation in place regarding setting up camping grounds etc. and all are similar too one another more or less. You need to go to your local council, they will have the relevant regulations for your state that you need to follow. If you just start letting people stay on your property the council will soon shut you down. State Governments are becoming more aware all the time the benefits the caravan and RV community brings to their state. WA for instance is reviewing its legislation to make it easer for some one like you to start up a nature based camp site. Weather the Bureaucrats get the mix right remains to be seen.

-- Edited by Cruznoz on Saturday 11th of June 2016 07:45:25 PM

rainy1850 · Senior Member

It's such a shame when we cannot accept this camping in good faith like it's been offered. We are so quick to sue someone for our mistakes most times. If the owner has looked at all the risks, then it should be up to use to enjoy and take care ourselves. I would love to camp on someone's property

brickies · Guru

Rainy it would be great if we all took that position but there are people who are ready to bit the hand that feed them , So it is buyer beware I am afraid .

rainy1850 · Senior Member

I agree with you brickie

we are becoming like america

chrisnmark · Member

I agree. It's a shame that there are some people who are quick to make a fast buck by suing people. Why can't campers sign a waiver before entering your property. As long as you have removed or minimized potential hazards, I think it sounds like a great idea. You can't fence dams or creeks but maybe signs at any potential danger spots would remind people to take care. I would definitely love to camp for a week or so on this sort of place and be happy to pay a reasonable amount.

Cadpete · Guru

Just counter sue for not using common sense biggrin

HunnyBunny · Senior Member

https://www.youcamp.com/legal

You might find the above link helpful

brickies · Guru

I would think it's all just to hard , You can now see why caravan parks have to charge what they charge .

HunnyBunny · Senior Member

I would love to allow fellow nomads a place to put their vans on my property too. But we all know about the red tape of councils! I guess there is nothing against having friends stop by. :)

Gregs1 · Member

Thankyou all for your kind replies. I understand that we all need Public Liability, that is a part of running our business anyway and Councils will naturally have to have there say. This will all be carried out and we will be open next season so I will keep you all Posted. I have stayed in some very nice camps myself and the people were extremely friendly and hospitable. This is the style of situation we will be offering.
Thankyou all again.
Greg

HunnyBunny · Senior Member

Best of luck Greg1. I hope everything works out for you both on your farm & in your new venture.

Krusty · Senior Member

I know it's not a business but I regularly let mates stay at my place. (One here now) Texta info on the "Wall of Wisdom" stating how much gas (hot water shower) and electricity cost me for the average caravan per day and max stay of 3 weeks. Coffee Jar left on the fridge which regularly has money appearing in it magically. Newbies need to be recommended by a previous camper and their behaviour is a direct reflection on them. It's worked well for the last 15 years.