The Nationals’ Melina Bath has called on the Allan Labor Government in state parliament to monitor campground vacancies in national parks where sites are free for the next six months.
Ms Bath said Labor’s free camping policy was ill thought-out and will adversely result in vacant sites when campers abandon their bookings.
“Without a deposit fee paid in advance, campers can take the easy option to abandon their booking for whatever reason, leaving the site unoccupied.
“Previously nonrefundable deposits ensured campers honoured their reservation or cancelled within the acceptable timeframe so camp sites could be rebooked.
“The unintended consequence of Labor’s flawed policy is a potential reduction in visitors to our regions particularly in less favourable weather, and a loss of revenue to local businesses, cafes, pubs, and supermarkets.
“Our rural towns have been impacted by the cost of living crisis and every dollar from visitors to our region supports local jobs and ensure businesses remain viable.”
Ms Bath said the Allan Government must monitor vacancy rates in the 130 national parks announced as free camping sites to assess the number of ‘no show’ bookings and any negative impact on tourism.
“With Parks Victoria struggling to operate after Labor slashed $94 million in funding, cut jobs and resources, there is limited staff availability to manage site bookings and camping no shows across our national parks.
“This back of the envelope policy was designed to be a good news story; however, Labor fails to recognise the potential adverse impacts on our rural and regional communities.
“In a cost-of-living crisis rather than supporting local businesses, the Allan Government could very well end up punishing them.”
The Ministerial response to Ms Bath’s question is due 10 December 2024.
