ARARAT Rural City Council is one step closer to enacting a camping permit system at Green Hill Lake Reserve.
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The plan to introduce cost-free camping permits to the popular spot was revealed at the council's December 2018 meeting.
Under the proposed system, campers intending to stay for more than 72 hours would need to obtain a cost free permit, which would be valid for 28 days.
Campers would then be able to apply for another permit after the 28 days expired.
A public consultation period followed, which finished on February 1.
The council only received two submissions on the matter, and nobody chose to speak to their submissions.
One of the submissions was concerned that charging for a camping spot would turn away caraveners who frequent the reserve.
However, the plan to introduce the permits never stated there would be a cost associated with them.
Camping will continue to be free of charge under the new system.
The second submission praised the council and the Lake Development Board for their management of the reserve and was in favour of the permit system, stating that it would help to combat the problem of long-term campers.
A poll conducted by The Ararat Advertiser showed that opinion was divided on the matter, with just over half of residents in support and just under half against the idea.
Shire mayor, Councillor Peter Beales said that there had been some confusion as to the requirements of the new permit system.
"I received an email from a gentleman … because he thought it was going to be paid," he said.
"When I explained that it was going to be a permit only he was quite satisfied."
At the February meeting the council also adopted an amendment to a local law to enable the system to be implemented.
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