Lakes Entrance targets illegal campers
Popular Victorian seaside town considers low-cost RV park to counter rising number of illegal campers parking on foreshoreThe popular Victorian tourist town of Lakes Entrance could become a magnet for grey nomads if a plan to establish a low-cost RV rest area at Rotary Park gains support.
The East Gippsland council is seeking feedback from the public on a 12 month trial which if successful could result in a permanent free or low-cost camping area for RVs, right in the heart of town.
Setting up a designated, overnight campground would also address the “the increasing problem of RVs and caravans indiscriminately camping on the foreshore in Lakes Entrance for overnight stays and in some cases for extended periods,” the Council said
The deadline for feedback on the proposal is April 17, with the 12 month trial due to start before the end of April.
As part of the trial, RVs will be able to park overnight as well as a maximum of two hours between 9am and 6pm.
The trial will be evaluated “by assessing the reduction in the number of itinerant campers on the foreshore, the number of users at Rotary Park, and feedback from the RV visitors”.
The move follows Victoria’s Ballarat Council recently agreeing on a 12 month trial of an RV rest area at Pioneer Park in Wendouree.
Providing a low-cost RV site close to facilities is one of the requirements of a town achieving RV Friendly status, according to Australia’s biggest RV club, the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia.
With close to 70,000 members and around 30,000 motorhomes on its books, the CMCA is a powerful voice in the Australian RV community and the RV Friendly Towns Scheme is one of its most successful initiatives.??
A town must provide a range of amenities and services to qualify as 'RV Friendly', including access to 24 hour medical and pharmacy services and potable water, a Dump Point within 50km of the town, and provision of short as well as longer term parking within 5-20km of town centre, at a reasonable rate.
Currently, there more than 200 Australian towns registered and signposted as 'RV Friendly', located in all states except for the Northern Territory.
Recent inductees include Eumundi in Queensland, Wycheproof in Victoria, Wickepin in Western Australia and Walgett and Collarenebri in outback northern New South Wales.
To provide feedback on the Lakes Entrance trial, click here.
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