THE time is right for Gippsland to embrace and manage itinerant campers visiting the area, according to Gippsland East MLA Craig Ingram.
Mr Ingram said he had been working with the relevant agencies to discuss options for the management of the ever-increasing caravan and camper market in Gippsland.
"Some operators in our region have expressed frustration at the presence of itinerant campers along river banks and other public areas as they perceive this growing trend as a threat to the viability and profitability of their business,'' Mr Ingram said.
"Current warning signs discouraging itinerant campers on public land are ineffectual, as the authority to move campers on is not available in most areas.''
Mr Ingram said prime sites across the region were regularly filled with large numbers of well-equipped motor homes, self contained caravans and tents.
"Some choose to stay in caravan parks; others choose to use public land, state forest of national park,'' he said.
"One of the major problems is that the current rules make it impossible to enforce the policies of our councils and the best solution is to recognise this growing market and establish infrastructure rules to manager their visit.
"The caravan and camping market is one of the largest growing sectors of the tourist industry and our region must embrace and manage this sector to ensure we get the most economic benefit from visitors.''
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