It is now possible to set-up camp on three new Goulburn River sites in Seymour and Tallarook.
Open to the public since Friday, the sites which sit on Crown land were previously designated for day use only.
Two new campsites have opened in Tallarook, with one on the Mansfield-Tallarook Rail Trail about 7km from town, and the other at the end of Telegraph Rd.
In Seymour, the entrance to the site is located off Anglesey St. Campfires remain prohibited at the three sites.
The changes resulted from the Victorian Government’s ‘fishing and boating’ 2018 election policy which committed the government to “guarantee access to fishing and camping on Crown land that has grazing licences and river frontage”.
While anglers and campers will be excited to make use of the new sites over the Easter break, the policy to open Crown land to overnight camping has proven to be controversial.
During the consultation period for the required changes to Victoria’s Land Regulations, the government received more than 1100 submissions.
In May last year, more than 100 farmers and supporters protested against the reforms outside Victorian Parliament.
In sharp contrast, the sites have been strongly welcomed by VRFish, the Victorian peak body for recreational fishing.
“Public land should be available for public use, and what better use for riverside Crown land than camping and fishing, enabling families and friends to create memories together”, VRFish chairman Rob Loats said.
Individuals looking to camp on the new sites have been advised by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning that no facilities are available and to be aware of animals grazing in the area.