3.1.3 Crown land caravan parks and camping grounds Context Wye River foreshore caravan and camping park DSE There are 84 caravan parks and camping grounds on coastal Crown land along Victoria's coast that offer safe, low-key and affordable holiday experiences. Demand for sites has increased - particularly over the last five years - with 100 per cent occupancy at peak times, but as little as 10 to 20 per cent during the off-peak season. These caravan and camping parks underpin a significant component of funding for coastal management. Maintenance requirements and demand for higher quality facilities continues to grow. Expenditure must be balanced with other priorities, such as environmental management, emergency management and wastewater management. The closure of caravan parks on private land is increasing the demand at coastal Crown land parks. The long-term capacity of existing parks and opportunities for new parks needs to be considered. The Caravan and Camping Parks on Coastal Crown Land Reference Group report (2006) addresses these issues. Policy 1. Improve user amenity and reduce detrimental environmental effects of accommodation on coastal Crown land. 2. Ensure that a diverse range of accommodation options for coastal experiences is maintained and that sites and facilities are accessible to all prospective users. 3. Discourage long-term exclusive occupancy (more than 12 months) of coastal caravan and camping sites. Actions a Complete management plans for all coastal Crown land caravan parks and camping grounds (CoM & PV, DSE). b Apply the recommendations of the Caravan and Camping Parks on Coastal Crown Land Reference Group report, including developing best practice management guidelines, finalising leasing allocation policy, and giving guidance to park managers on managing annual site permits (DSE, PV, CoM).

10 December 2008