Big revenue in ’free campers’

CAMPERVAN tourists have hit back at concerns they are freeloading on the region’s public facilities to the detriment of accommodation providers.
Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) said the campers’ average spending of $570 a week on fuel, food, tourist attractions and repairs could substantially boost local economies.
The defence followed angry calls for an end to free camping along the Great Ocean Road.
Colac Otway’s foreshore committee wants power to police free camping, while its council says the campers were detrimental to the local accommodation industry.
Residents have complained of free campers leaving rubbish and toilet paper, while Victorian Caravan Parks Association has rejected claims the recreation vehicle industry generates revenue.
But CMCA spokesman Michael Fenton said the campervan and motorhome sector generated $7 billion a year across Australia.
Victoria hosted 132,000 of the campers, more than a quarter of the 430,000 vehicles nationwide, Mr Fenton said.
A “Leave No Trace” policy ensured CMCA members were good tourists, he said.
“A lot of people would go into a town to look for a Woolworths, ALDI or Coles or, if they need repairs, to go find a local mechanic,” Mr Fenton said.
“Anyone who says they’re freeloaders really doesn’t know what’s going on.”
Mr Fenton said providing waste and water facilities to attract the campers would assist tourist towns and economies.
A standalone CMCA rally could generate between $1.5 million and $2 million a week for a town, he said.
Mr Fenton said Tasmania’s tourism fell 20 per cent when the state cracked down on the free campers.