Monday 3 February 2025
Camping has always been an inclusive pursuit, much-loved by regional Victorians, yet so many beloved sites have become a closed shop.
Regularly, “Campsite fully booked” signs are greeting families throughout the state.
Trouble is, the sites are nowhere near fully booked!
Labor’s decision to allow free camping in national parks this summer may have been based on good intentions, but it has been a monumental stuff-up.
Amid the free-for-all, many have booked sites and not bothered turning up.
Many have joined friends in booking multiple sites, leaving most of them empty.
I saw the infuriating results firsthand at Wilsons Prom last week – dozens of sites empty despite a big sign at the park entrance reading “No Vacancy”.
There must be a way to end “ghost sites” – take a refundable deposit or perhaps, as Queensland does, fine people who don’t turn up.
Not only does it affect those wanting to camp, but the flow-on effect of people unable to book and holiday at these sites is devastating for local businesses.
Camping and recreation usually contributes more than $2 billion a year to the Victorian economy and supports 20,000 jobs.
“Ghost sites” are sapping visitor numbers and cruelling businesses.
There must be a quick, commonsense fix, and The Nationals will lead the fight.
Danny O’Brien MP
Leader of The Nationals