qdts-camping-options-toolkit

Recommendations

Info

2.2 A non-commercial camping framework Once a needs analysis has been completed, the need has been identified through consultation with the regional camping stakeholders group and local government has been identified as best placed to deliver the desired camping option, a transparent and well-documented non-commercial camping framework should be adopted. The following policy template provides a basis for local government to manage non-commercial camping in a way that aligns with the industry and community aspirations but is also linked to the planning scheme and local government’s strategic plans. Non-commercial camping operational policy (draft) Camping within lands managed by local government. Policy issue Purpose This policy outlines how local government decides where to allow camping within areas it manages. It also reviews a spectrum of camping options within local government areas and what facilities will be provided at different locations. Background Providing a range of camping options within areas managed by local government allows local authorities to cater for a diverse mix of visitor needs and expectations, to ensure any facilities provided are suited to the settings and to maintain a diversity of visitor opportunities across landscapes residing within local government areas. Local government uses a spectrum of camping options that provides a standard method to characterise recreational camping sites and camping areas within local government areas. The options established within the spectrum range from bush camps through to seasonal caravan parks, including basic camping grounds within a caravan park. The spectrum essentially provides a relative measure of the level of facilities provided for intended visitor use and the level of management required by local authorities to maintain designated camping areas and govern camping activities. Assigning a spectrum of camping options will define a number of different camping opportunities available and will help local government effectively manage camping options in their region by providing a more consistent approach to the management of noncommercial and commercial camping areas. The spectrum will encourage the development of a diversity of accommodation options with the aim of attracting a wider range of tourists and increased visitation. The QPP defines the following: Tourist park Definitions • Premises used to provide for accommodation in caravans, self-contained cabins, tents and similar structures for the public for short-term holiday purposes. The use may include, where ancillary, a manager’s residence and office, a kiosk, amenity buildings, a food and drink outlet, or the provision of recreation facilities for the use of occupants of the tourist park and their visitors, and accommodation for staff. Short-term accommodation • Premises used to provide short-term accommodation for tourists or travellers for a temporary period of time (typically not exceeding 3 consecutive months); they may be self-contained. The use may include a manager’s residence and office and the provision of recreation facilities for the exclusive use of visitors. Relocatable home park • Premises used for relocatable dwellings (whether they are permanently located or not) that provide long-term residential accommodation. The use may include a manager’s residence and office, a food and drink outlet, a kiosk, amenity buildings and the provision of recreation facilities. Common camping activities that fit within the QPP definitions are defined in the National tourism planning guide: a best practice approach to the supply of tourism, which identifies the following: Basic camping ground • Land designated and managed for the purpose of short-term recreational lodging or camping in tents or other temporary shelter. Sites should not include amenity buildings, cabins or manager’s facilities. Caravan park • Premises used for the parking and/or siting of two or more mobile accommodation facilities such as caravans, cabins and relocatable homes. Sites may include ancillary facilities for park patrons such as amenity buildings, recreational facilities, storage areas, a convenience shop and manager’s facilities. 34
To camp, in areas managed by local government, includes: Definitions (cont.) • to pitch, place or erect a tent, caravan or another structure that may be used for camping for the purpose of staying overnight by using the tent, caravan or structure • to place other equipment that may be used for camping or a vehicle in position for the purpose of staying overnight by using the equipment or vehicle • to keep a tent, caravan or another structure or other equipment that may be used for camping in position overnight, whether or not the tent, caravan, structure or equipment is unattended • to stay overnight. General Determinations Local government aims to provide a diverse range or spectrum of recreational camping opportunities within the areas it manages. It also aims to ensure that camping opportunities are safe, protect the environment, enable visitors to interact with and appreciate the natural and cultural values of the areas they visit and enhance overall visitor experiences. Where provided, camping opportunities will be appropriate to the setting and range from low-volume, bush-style camping with few or no facilities, to facility-based camping in commercial camping sites. Where camping is allowed When considering where to provide camping opportunities, local government takes into account factors including: • the physical suitability of an area for camping • whether the area has been traditionally associated with camping • the existing and desired settings of an area including intended visitor use • the compatibility of the desired setting with different camping styles (e.g. informal bush camping, vehicle-based camping in defined camping areas or commercial accommodation) • the directions of relevant approved management plans • any limits on site capacity or group sizes that may be required to protect natural values, maintain the landscape setting and ensure sustainability • the existence and proximity of alternative camping and accommodation opportunities in the surrounding area. Where camping is not allowed Generally, camping is prohibited or restricted: • in any area not established as a designated camping area • in any rest area, truck stop or public area that does not permit overnight camping • where camping would impact adversely on wildlife (e.g. in breeding areas) • in places of special cultural or historical significance • in ‘endangered’ or ’of concern’ regional ecosystems • in sites that are too steep, contain fragile ground or vegetative cover, are sensitive to pollution, or have no capacity for on-site water supply or satisfactory waste disposal • where natural hazards are present. Local government may use regulatory measures such a signage to identify ’no camping’ areas and distribute infringement notices to visitors not complying with local camping laws in the following circumstances: • where campers persist in camping outside a designated camping area • where campers persist in overstaying the permitted length of stay at any designated camping area • to limit the disturbance of campers on local residents and to protect the visual and physical amenity of an area • to protect fragile sites or natural or cultural resources • where all or part of a former or existing camping area is closed permanently or temporarily for rehabilitation. Establishing formal camping areas In deciding where to establish camping sites, consideration is given to: • desired camping experiences and the intended visitor use • existing and planned associated infrastructure, such as access routes • areas remote from other development (including caravan parks and camping grounds that are licensed) • availability of funds for infrastructure construction, facility development, management and maintenance • recreational opportunities and visitor wants and needs, such as proximity to scenic features, local attractions, general shopping precincts and easy access to visitor information facilities. 35
Page 1 and 2: Department of Tourism, Major Events
Page 3 and 4: Foreword Camping is synonymous with
Page 5 and 6: Summary In January 2013, the Queens
Page 7 and 8: Introduction 7
Page 9 and 10: Why do we need options? The Queensl
Page 11 and 12: Creating a common language The foll
Page 13 and 14: What is happening with camping? For
Page 15 and 16: Commercial and non-commercial campi
Page 17 and 18: Regional peak demand Some areas of
Page 19 and 20: Figure 5 Caravan and trailer produc
Page 21 and 22: Meeting the needs of diverse consum
Page 23 and 24: Stage 1: Best practice first steps
Page 25 and 26: 1.1 Foundations for management and
Page 27 and 28: 1.3 Needs analysis Local government
Page 29 and 30: Stakeholders engaged, understanding
Page 31 and 32: Choosing an option How local govern
Page 33: In implementing these arrangements,
Page 37 and 38: 2.3 Seasonal or year-round outsourc
Page 39 and 40: 2.4 Creating stepping stones Many o
Page 41 and 42: Agreed approach, annually reviewed
Page 43 and 44: Implementation of camping options R
Page 45 and 46: 3.2 Promotion and partnerships Prom
Page 47 and 48: Fact sheets 47
Page 49 and 50: Fact sheet A National tourism plann
Page 51 and 52: Estimating the real cost and additi
Page 53 and 54: Fact sheet B Table B.3 Assessing th
Page 55 and 56: Fact sheet C Domestic visitors empl
Page 57 and 58: Fact sheet D The Act also allows th
Page 59 and 60: Fact sheet E Townsville City Counci
Page 61 and 62: Overflow camping policy Fact sheet
Page 63 and 64: Adopting standard definitions Fact
Page 65 and 66: Fact sheet G PO5 PO6 PO7 PO8 PO9 Pe
Page 67 and 68: Fact sheet G Section Objectives Per
Page 69 and 70: Fact sheet H Outback region As note
Page 71 and 72: Fact sheet I Recognising self-conta
Page 73 and 74: Fact sheet J Is non-commercial camp
Page 75 and 76: Reducing red tape for drive tourism

qdts-camping-options-toolkit

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?