Victorian farmers did not get their wish for campers having to register to use Crown land leases.
The government will instead use the threat of big fines to control access which will allow camping on licensed Crown land adjoining rivers for the first time.
Proposed new regulations allowing access to leased land have been released for public comment after the government followed through on its 2018 election promise to open up more areas for camping.
Farmers have been alarmed by the plan which gives campers access to about 17,000 kilometres of Crown frontage leased in 10,000 licences mostly granted for grazing.
Campers face fines of $1650 for not closing a gate, for instance.
Or the same amount for not having their dog on a lead.
The Victorian…
