The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is leading calls for the Victorian Government to establish a dedicated Stakeholder Reference Group to advise the Government on the implementation of the upcoming camping regulations.
VFF President Emma Germano said the regulations slated to begin on September 1, 2021, will considerably impact a number of stakeholders.
“Farmers and the environment will be significantly impacted by the camping regulations set to come into force in just over a month’s time.”
“It’s only fair that those impacted have a means to have their voice heard,”
“The Victorian Government should have by now provided an official response to key stakeholder concerns and we remain hopeful that they will listen to the issues raised by the community,” Ms Germano said.
The VFF has led recent joint meetings on behalf of a number of key stakeholders including Environment Victoria, Landcare Victoria Incorporated, Rural Councils Victoria, Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria and the Victorian National Parks Association.
“The overwhelming sentiment of those involved in the meetings is that the Victorian Government must push back the implementation of the rules, undertake a proper assessment of risks and only proceed with low risk pilot sites, rather than on 17,000km of river frontage.”
“A pilot will ensure there is time for the Government to conduct an appropriate risk assessment of how these rules will impact agriculture, the environment and make sure the welfare of campers is also considered,” Ms Germano said.