Fees to be introduced for Camping in Victoria's Parks

[MudRunnerTD]

I'd happily pay $10 a car to stay at somewhere like Knockwood with its clean new Toilet a block. I'd be wanting a second block though I think during the summer when it's busy.

If they want to offer Hot Showers then that's great. User pays. $5 a shower. Timed.

I'd also pay $10 a night per car to stay at the Comet Flat Camp ground at Woodspoint.

I agree with Cuppa though, once introduced its a snowball.

[Bob]

I am trying to get a copy of the Proposal and will post on here when I obtain it.

[MudRunnerTD]

It will not happen, they tried to close all parks to ppl, a few years back. didn't happen

Just someone stirring the pot IMO

I hope you are right TD, Anonymous Office Wallahs with a stroke of a pen can change all what we know before they have had their 2nd coffee!

Local NSW NP managers recommend closing access areas to their superiors with an attached budget forecast, read; cost savings, and next thing we know there is a thumping great steel gate blocking our way.

The place is run by bean counters not the people that get out and use the facilities be them serviced or bush camps. A fee for a serviced camp is reasonable but the bush?

Totally agree with Cuppa's post as well.

100% agree.

Change of Government sees a change of attitude. Anything could happen!! 3 years out from an election and most will forget by then. Game on!

[MudRunnerTD]

I am trying to get a copy of the Proposal and will post on here when I obtain it.

I know a bloke

[Bob]

I know a bloke

If you can get it mate go for it

[threedogs]

I'll email the Prez of my club and 4wd Vic and see whats actually happening
Won't happen in Vic if the 4WD movement has anything to do with it

[macca]

I'll email the Prez of my club and 4wd Vic and see whats actually happening
Won't happen in Vic if the 4WD movement has anything to do with it

Us in NSW look at the VIC system with envy, your 4wd association has been working well with the government and from what we know you are really forward thinking. I hope this is not a backward step.

[Cuppa]

So it begins!!!

As above, don't mind small fees

Trouble is the acceptance of 'small fees, is exactly how it begins.

I just had a look at NSW national park campgrounds which appear to have a set of standard fees applying to most parks, but with more expensive fees applying to the more popular ones.
I picked out one 'standard fee' camp at random .....Tallow Beach campground in the Bouddi National park. This is a beach camp requiring users to walk 1.2kms to it. Only facility is a long drop toilet. No fresh water, & nothing else provided.
Costs for a family of four PER NIGHT are $20 per adult couple (same for a single adult), $10 for a teenager, $5 for a child, Plus a daily vehicle entry fee of $7. So for mum, dad, spotty teenager & younger kid the all up cost is $42 per night for a long drop! Sure it might be a nice location, but if the family plan to stay at a few national park sites for their holidays $294 per week is pretty rich & quite possibly more than the rent they pay on their three bedroom home. This is the model that Napthine wants to introduce to Victoria. I've been wondering for a while when this would happen. As Bob says, the thin edge of the wedge. If we are not careful we'll end up like the UK where there is a kiosk demanding payment for just about everything. It doesn't need to be like that ........ & shouldn't be.

[BigRAWesty]

They if they do change it won't be long before they revert back.. At $59 a night I'd be looking for a caravan park..
Another one agreeing with you guys..
The $15 a night we paid down Glenelg river is fine, but $59 is farked..

[MudRunnerTD]

Spoke to a friend who is a Ranger In Charge. He was aware of the internal discussions for a couple of years but found out today like the rest of us via the media. He will send me a copy when it is a public document.

He agrees that the numbers quoted seem inappropriate for all but he high end sites with not water and a rubbish bin service. He advised that he will not be consulted on the fee structure and the Corporate and planning division will be in control of this! Scarey!

He agrees it must be sustainable and inline with the service. Watch this space.