Key Takeaways
- A video of unattended caravans parked along a popular free riverside campsite has sparked debate about fair access to public camping spots during peak holiday periods
- The campsite, known as Davis Beach, is a popular swimming and camping spot, particularly during school holidays, and allows camping for up to six weeks at a time
- The practice of leaving vehicles unattended for days or weeks at a time is widely viewed as inconsiderate, and Parks Victoria and Goulburn-Murray Water warn against reserving public foreshore for exclusive use
- The issue is not just confined to camping, but also affects recreational water storages across northern Victoria
Introduction to the Debate
A row of unattended caravans parked along a popular free riverside campsite has sparked renewed debate about fair access to public camping spots during peak holiday periods. Footage, shared online by traveller Ciaran Shields and his partner, shows caravans lined up along the Murray River on the New South Wales-Victoria border, with no sign of people staying at the site. This scene has triggered a flood of debate, with many accusing caravan owners of effectively "reserving" public campsites by leaving vehicles unattended for days or weeks at a time.
The Campsite and Its Rules
The campsite, known as Davis Beach, on the Victorian side of the Murray River at Tocumwal, is a popular swimming and camping spot, particularly during school holidays. Under Parks Victoria rules, camping is allowed for up to six weeks at a time. However, the practice of leaving vehicles unattended for extended periods has raised concerns about fair access to public camping spots. Ciaran Shields, who shared the footage, said that his family was not planning to camp at the site, but visited the area so their children and dogs could swim. He described the scene as "unlike anything they had encountered during months of travelling around Australia in their converted bus."
The Reaction to the Footage
The video, which shows nine unattended caravans parked in what Ciaran Shields described as "prime spots" along the Murray River, quickly gained traction online, drawing hundreds of thousands of views and hundreds of comments. The footage triggered a flood of debate, with many accusing caravan owners of effectively "reserving" public campsites by leaving vehicles unattended for days or weeks at a time. Others defended the practice, arguing that people should be free to come and go during extended holiday stays. Ciaran Shields said that his family was "absolutely blown away" by the attention the footage received.
The Common Problem of Reserving Public Foreshore
The issue of reserving public foreshore for exclusive use is not just confined to camping. Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW), which manages recreational water storages across northern Victoria, warns that reserving sections of public foreshore for exclusive use is not permitted. Under the Water (Recreational Area) Regulations 2023, individuals can be fined for leaving temporary structures unattended on the foreshore. Parks Victoria also says that campers reserving spots is a common problem, particularly during peak holiday periods.
The Impact on the Community
The practice of leaving vehicles unattended for extended periods has raised concerns about the impact on the community. Ciaran Shields said that the behaviour was something his family had never encountered before, and that it was "not fair on others who want to enjoy the area." He also said that judging by the comments on the footage, the practice of reserving public foreshore for exclusive use happens regularly during peak holiday periods. The debate highlights the need for fair access to public camping spots and the importance of considering the impact of one’s actions on the community.
Conclusion and Future Directions
In conclusion, the debate sparked by the video of unattended caravans parked along a popular free riverside campsite highlights the need for fair access to public camping spots during peak holiday periods. The practice of leaving vehicles unattended for extended periods is widely viewed as inconsiderate, and Parks Victoria and Goulburn-Murray Water warn against reserving public foreshore for exclusive use. As the demand for public camping spots continues to grow, it is essential to find a balance between allowing people to enjoy the area and ensuring that everyone has fair access to these spaces. By raising awareness about the issue and promoting responsible behaviour, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and sustainable outdoor recreational culture.
