The Victorian Government’s plan to open up more river frontages for public camping was launched on March 30, despite the misgivings of many adjoining property owners.
One of the first six areas in Victoria to be identified is located 6km south of Murchison on the Goulburn River.
The land, covering several hectares in Day Rd, is leased by a neighbouring property owner who has concerns about how the camping will be managed.
Rob Charters said he had not had much trouble with public use of the frontage near his Day Rd property in the past, but mostly they have been fishermen.
“I am concerned for the security of the land, particularly the adjoining property,” he said.
“I can’t see how many people will find it attractive for camping as it takes a long walk in, to get access.
“It’s not a great area for camping because its difficult to get access to the river. I wouldn’t drink the water.”
Mr Charters is mystified as to why the government would introduce a scheme so difficult to manage across the state.
“The decision to do this is illogical and shows no thought of risk management.”
One of the other six identified sites is on the Goulburn River south of Seymour, just a short distance from the town, off Anglesey St.
The Victorian Government is promising up to 50 more sites will be advertised online by the end of April.
Further sites along the Goulburn, Broken, Ovens, Campaspe, Loddon and Murray rivers are currently being assessed for inclusion in the program.
The new sites can be accessed by foot from designated parking areas around the townships of Seymour, Tallarook, Murchison and Molesworth.
Future sites may be able to be accessed by vehicles, depending on location.
The sites are coming online gradually as part of a staged approach, following a comprehensive consultation process where more than 1100 submissions were made on draft regulations.
The public can already lawfully access licensed river frontages for recreation such as fishing, hiking and picnicking.
Meanwhile the National Party has warned of the bushfire risk to farms.
The party said recent figures show Forest Fire Management Victoria attended 1435 bushfires in the past financial year — 860 were caused by unattended campfires.
Victorian Nationals leader Peter Walsh echoed warnings that the poorly developed policy would see local CFAs and landholders left to deal with the consequences.