General News
13 September, 2022
Candidate deflects to council
LABOR candidate for Ripon Martha Haylett has refused to be drawn on calls to cap Loddon River sites on farmer-licensed Crown land frontages. Ms Haylett has also deflected questions on the impact of State Government policy on local volunteer...
LABOR candidate for Ripon Martha Haylett has refused to be drawn on calls to cap Loddon River sites on farmer-licensed Crown land frontages.
Ms Haylett has also deflected questions on the impact of State Government policy on local volunteer committees and private and council-owned caravan parks.
She said: “As this policy was an election commitment for the last state election, the questions are best sent to Minister D’Ambrosio and Loddon Shire Council for formal comments.”
Approved sites along the Loddon have increased from five to 21 this year, more assessment letters being received by landholders and the Coalition announcing it would overturn new State Government regulations introduced last year, allowing farmers to decide who can camp on land.
Two sites have now also been added on the Serpentine Creek at Fernihurst as the rollout continues across the region.
The Loddon Herald asked Ms Haylett whether Loddon Shire was consulted before identification of sites along the Loddon River and why so many Loddon River sites been either identified, assessed or confirmed when there were several riverfront camping areas administered by local committees and caravan parks within 10km of the river.
Ms Haylett was also asked whether a fall in park and committee revenue would point to the policy working for local communities.
A background note from Ms Haylett’s campaign team said: “The State Government is helping Victorians enjoy even more of the state’s great outdoors, providing access for camping on licensed Crown water frontages.
“Crown water frontages are a public asset for Victorians’ recreational use and enjoyment. Crown water frontage licences do not provide an exclusive right or use by the licensee, and recreational use by the public is permitted.
“The draft regulations were released for public consultation in March 2021, and the State Government received 1,100 submissions. The regulations were refined to reflect the expectations of the community, voiced in the consultation, and came into effect on September 1, 2021.
“Camping is permitted only in licensed areas that have been assessed and deemed suitable for camping.
“The policy supports local economies by bringing more visitors to towns across rural and regional Victoria.”