Council rules spoil camping plans as local landowners slam new restrictions
- Replies 38
For many Aussies, there’s nothing quite like packing up the caravan, hitting the open road, and spending a night under the stars.
Camping is a beloved tradition, especially among over-60s who cherish the freedom, affordability, and connection to nature it offers.
But as camping popularity has soared in recent years, a new battle is brewing between local councils and the landowners who make these adventures possible.
With traditional campgrounds often booked out or charging sky-high fees, more and more travellers have turned to private landowners—especially farmers—who open up their properties for overnight stays.
It’s a win-win: campers get a unique, affordable experience, and landowners earn a little extra income to help keep their properties afloat during tough times.
But in Queensland and other states, councils have started enforcing strict compliance rules that many say are simply unworkable.
Farmers and camping advocates are calling the new requirements 'ridiculous', claiming they threaten the future of rural tourism and the livelihoods of those who rely on it.
Take Steven Moriarty, a farmer in Queensland’s Scenic Rim region.
He used to welcome campers to eight sites on his 300-acre property, but he was forced to shut up shop after council regulations changed.
The new rules require landowners to submit development applications, conduct expensive flood and fire assessments, and meet a laundry list of safety requirements.
'When you start looking at tens of thousands of dollars for a few campsites, it makes it practically impossible for people to comply,' Steven said.
He’s not alone. Debra Symes, co-founder of Caravan Overnight Farmstays—a platform connecting campers with farmers—says she’s heard from many landowners facing similar struggles.
One member was hit with a 28-page application just to get started and then quoted $70,000 for fire hydrants, toilets, lighting, muster points, and fencing.
'It’s ridiculous,' Debra said.
'Wouldn’t it be better to have a policy that allowed a small number of self-contained vans on a property and have a small licence fee for a farmer so we’re supporting tourism?'
Councils argue that safety and environmental concerns tie their hands. The Scenic Rim Regional Council points to 'natural hazards or other impediments' that could endanger campers, such as floods, fires, and access issues.
They say each site must be assessed individually, considering traffic safety, infrastructure, environmental impacts, and the effect on neighbouring properties.
A council spokesperson said, 'There will be cases where achieving compliance is difficult, but this will usually be due to safety or access-related issues.
The council is, and continues to be, supportive of growing our rural tourism market and providing additional income streams for farmers.'
To their credit, some councils are working with industry representatives to find a solution, but for now, many landowners feel the rules are simply too onerous.
It’s no wonder this issue has come to a head. According to federal government data, camping and caravan trips jumped by a whopping 19 per cent in 2021 compared to the previous year, with 12.6 million extra trips taken.
The trend has only continued since the pandemic, as Aussies rediscover the joys of local travel.
But this surge in demand has put pressure on both public and private campsites.
National parks in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria have introduced booking systems to manage the crowds.
However, this has led to new problems—like 'ghost camping', where people book sites and don’t show up, leaving spots empty but unavailable to others.
Meanwhile, increased illegal camping has forced councils to take a hard line.
Some, like the NSW Central Coast Council, have threatened fines of up to $110,000 for repeat offenders who camp on public land without permission.
Many in the camping community believe there’s a middle ground.
They agree that safety and environmental protection are essential but argue that the rules should be scaled to the size and nature of the operation.
For example, a farmer hosting a handful of self-contained caravans shouldn’t face the exact requirements of a large commercial campground.
Some have suggested a tiered permit system with lower fees and simpler requirements for small-scale operators.
Others want to see more support and guidance from councils rather than just enforcement.
If you love camping on private land, these changes could mean fewer options and higher prices in the future.
It’s a good idea to check ahead before planning your trip and to support landowners who are following the rules.
If you’re a landowner thinking about opening your property to campers, make sure you understand your local council’s requirements—and don’t be afraid to speak up if you think the rules are unfair.
Have you run into red tape when camping or hosting campers? Do you think councils are being too strict, or are the rules necessary for safety? We’d love to hear your stories and opinions—share your thoughts in the comments below.
Camping is a beloved tradition, especially among over-60s who cherish the freedom, affordability, and connection to nature it offers.
But as camping popularity has soared in recent years, a new battle is brewing between local councils and the landowners who make these adventures possible.
With traditional campgrounds often booked out or charging sky-high fees, more and more travellers have turned to private landowners—especially farmers—who open up their properties for overnight stays.
It’s a win-win: campers get a unique, affordable experience, and landowners earn a little extra income to help keep their properties afloat during tough times.
But in Queensland and other states, councils have started enforcing strict compliance rules that many say are simply unworkable.
Landowners and farmers in Queensland are being forced to stop offering private land as campsites due to costly and burdensome council regulations. Credit: Facebook
Farmers and camping advocates are calling the new requirements 'ridiculous', claiming they threaten the future of rural tourism and the livelihoods of those who rely on it.
Take Steven Moriarty, a farmer in Queensland’s Scenic Rim region.
He used to welcome campers to eight sites on his 300-acre property, but he was forced to shut up shop after council regulations changed.
The new rules require landowners to submit development applications, conduct expensive flood and fire assessments, and meet a laundry list of safety requirements.
'When you start looking at tens of thousands of dollars for a few campsites, it makes it practically impossible for people to comply,' Steven said.
He’s not alone. Debra Symes, co-founder of Caravan Overnight Farmstays—a platform connecting campers with farmers—says she’s heard from many landowners facing similar struggles.
One member was hit with a 28-page application just to get started and then quoted $70,000 for fire hydrants, toilets, lighting, muster points, and fencing.
'It’s ridiculous,' Debra said.
'Wouldn’t it be better to have a policy that allowed a small number of self-contained vans on a property and have a small licence fee for a farmer so we’re supporting tourism?'
They say each site must be assessed individually, considering traffic safety, infrastructure, environmental impacts, and the effect on neighbouring properties.
A council spokesperson said, 'There will be cases where achieving compliance is difficult, but this will usually be due to safety or access-related issues.
The council is, and continues to be, supportive of growing our rural tourism market and providing additional income streams for farmers.'
To their credit, some councils are working with industry representatives to find a solution, but for now, many landowners feel the rules are simply too onerous.
It’s no wonder this issue has come to a head. According to federal government data, camping and caravan trips jumped by a whopping 19 per cent in 2021 compared to the previous year, with 12.6 million extra trips taken.
The trend has only continued since the pandemic, as Aussies rediscover the joys of local travel.
But this surge in demand has put pressure on both public and private campsites.
National parks in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria have introduced booking systems to manage the crowds.
However, this has led to new problems—like 'ghost camping', where people book sites and don’t show up, leaving spots empty but unavailable to others.
Meanwhile, increased illegal camping has forced councils to take a hard line.
Some, like the NSW Central Coast Council, have threatened fines of up to $110,000 for repeat offenders who camp on public land without permission.
Many in the camping community believe there’s a middle ground.
They agree that safety and environmental protection are essential but argue that the rules should be scaled to the size and nature of the operation.
For example, a farmer hosting a handful of self-contained caravans shouldn’t face the exact requirements of a large commercial campground.
Some have suggested a tiered permit system with lower fees and simpler requirements for small-scale operators.
Others want to see more support and guidance from councils rather than just enforcement.
If you love camping on private land, these changes could mean fewer options and higher prices in the future.
If you’re a landowner thinking about opening your property to campers, make sure you understand your local council’s requirements—and don’t be afraid to speak up if you think the rules are unfair.
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