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Free camping plan along crown river frontages sparks bushfire concern for Gippsland and regional Victoria

Figures reported this week show Forest Fire Management Victoria attended 1435 bushfires in the last financial year - 860 were caused by unattended campfires.

By news@gippsland - 11th March 2022 - Back to News

The Victorian Government is yet to offer an explanation on how it will mitigate bushfire risk on Victorian farms in its ham-fisted move to open Crown river frontages to campers. Bushfire risk has become the latest red flag questioning Labor's riverfront camping proposal, adding to concerns including the failure to properly consult with landholders, fire authorities and traditional owners, as well as questions on who is liable for injury or death on licenced frontages or for policing threats to biosecurity.

Camping on licensed Crown water frontages will be permitted in specific, designated areas that have been assessed and deemed suitable for camping

Raised more questions

Leader of The Nationals Peter Walsh echoed warnings that the poorly developed policy will see local CFAs and landholders left to deal with the consequences. Labor's been trumpeting this policy since 2018.

"But it's obvious that even today it's still a half-baked proposal that leaves landholders with no protections and more questions than answers.How will the Victorian Government mitigate the risk of unattended bushfires? Or will it expect farmers to pick up the job of policing this too?" Mr Walsh said.

Needs to explain to landholders

Mr Walsh continued, "There's mass confusion on waste management, water quality, bushfire risk, vulnerable species, impacts on cultural heritage, biosecurity, public liability and protection of livestock which still haven't been addressed by the Labor government."

"Opening these river frontages to the public will create more erosion to river banks and damage to the surrounding habitat, as well as requiring stricter biosecurity measures and management of livestock - all on top of the already full-time job of managing a farm. The Ministers responsible - Lily D'Ambrosio and Melissa Horne - owe landholders an explanation on how they'll fix the problems their half-baked policy will create." Mr Walsh concluded.

Pictures from Peter Walsh MP Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Melina Bath criticises Labor government shutting public beekeeping, threatening Victoria's food security and horticultural jobs
  Melina Bath condemned the Allan Labor government's closure of public land beekeeping, warning it threatens food security, pollination, horticultural exports, and regional jobs, calling for policy reversal and support for apiarists.
• Allan Labor government backs First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with new sports grants
  The Allan Labor government has announced over $67,000 in Aboriginal Sport Participation Grants, supporting First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with travel, uniforms, and equipment to compete locally and nationally.
• Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
  Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences.
• Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
  Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences.
• Latrobe City Council endorses community engagement on draft financial, asset, and road management plans
  Council endorsed community engagement on key draft plans, including the Financial, Asset, and Road Management Plans, ensuring alignment with the Community Vision, Council Plan, and long-term strategic planning framework.
• Danny O'Brien announces finalised Loch Sport groyne designs, Gippsland Ports to seek tenders before Christmas
  Erosion works on Loch Sport foreshore will begin next year, with designs finalised for new groynes. Danny O'Brien praised the community's persistence and vowed to push for further coastal protection.
• Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on draft 10-year open space strategy for future planning
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, shaping a 10-year plan to guide investment, protect natural spaces, and enhance community wellbeing. Consultation closes Friday 3 October 2025.