Responsible RV Tourist

 

 

National Headquaters Message

The RV tourism industry remains one of the more resilient segments of tourism in this country. With the ‘baby boomer’ generation now starting to retire, predictions are that we will see this segment of the industry grow rapidly over the next few years. As good as this may be for CMCA and other RV clubs across Australia, it does bring with it problems that we all need to be aware of, and we need to be working together to overcome those problems.

One of the main issues that we face is the continuing pressure being put on the use of rest areas, especially in regions that see a high representation of RV tourists during their peak season. Tasmania in the summer months sees a large influx of campervans, caravans and motorhomes, as does Queensland, northern Western Australia and the Northern Territory during the winter months.

As the number of recreational vehicles on our roads increases each year, many councils find that they do not have the resources to cater for the increasing number of RV tourist units visiting their area. Then they find it difficult trying to handle the issues that arise from this influx of visitors.

It is extremely important that we are always conscious of where we stay each night. If all the legal rest areas in and around a town are full, it is better to stay in a caravan park than to park in such a way that causes aggravation with the council and local residents. Should the caravan park also be full, then, if it is late and you are tired, find a spot well away from residences and simply pull over for the evening. Do not set up ‘camp’ by putting up your awning, and do not set out chairs and tables and your BBQ. Generally, councils will accept that you are just ‘parked’ for the night and not causing any bother to anyone. Ensure that you move on early the following morning. It is not appropriate to stay overnight on foreshore areas, especially in front of local residents’ homes. It is also unacceptable to stop in a residential street. Always ask yourself whether you would like someone pulled up in front of your home, especially if they are blocking the water views that were probably one of the main reasons you purchased your home. And if you are asked to move on, please do so.

When staying in a rest area, please do not hang washing from lines tied to trees. This creates an unsightly image for local residents and councils. Please also abide by any time limits that may be placed on a rest area and pay any fees that may be applicable.

There are still many areas of this vast country that do not have adequate access to a dump point. The number of these units is increasing, but there is still a long way to go before we will have complete coverage. Therefore, if you do not have access to a dump point, it is important that you dispose of your grey and black water waste appropriately. It is not appropriate to dispose of this waste into a public toilet. If you need to bury it, ensure that you choose a site at least 100 metres away from any campsite and watercourse. Bury waste at least 15cm (6 inches) deep, mixing the waste with soil to help decomposition. In snow, dig down into the soil, otherwise the waste will be exposed when the snow melts. DO NOT discharge grey water onto the ground unless given permission to do so by the controlling authority of the area in which you are located.

Please always be conscious of your usage of water, especially in areas that are still drought affected. Washing vehicles is not acceptable in these areas. Always ask before filling your water tanks, and perhaps put a couple of dollars into a local charity box. Your goodwill gesture will be greatly appreciated.

Please only connect to power when you have authority to do so. Using power from council provided facilities, such as from a camp kitchen, without permission is the kind of action that results in some councils withdrawing these amenities.

Please always place litter into bins if they are provided. If no bins are available, take your rubbish with you until you can dispose of it correctly.

All we can ask is that everyone be considerate of others whilst enjoying this wonderful lifestyle. If we are all conscious of our actions and do the right thing, we will continue to gain more benefits for RV tourists across Australia.


Do's and Do Not's

• Only stay overnight in approved rest areas or caravan parks. Assume nothing – always ask a local.

• Only stay in any area for the time allowed.

• Always pay any fees that may apply to the area in which you stay. Put a donation into a donation box if one is available.

• Do not set up camp in a roadside rest area.

• When in a rest area, do not hang washing from lines or tied to trees and poles. Keep all washing within the confines of your vehicle.

• Unless authorised by the controlling authority of a rest area, NEVER discharge grey water onto the ground, especially when parked on bitumen. It is not appropriate to discharge black water waste into a public toilet. Wherever possible all grey and black water waste should be discharged into a dump point. We acknowledge that this is not always possible, so in extreme cases it will need to be buried in the bush. Choose a site at least 100m away from any campsite and any watercourse. Bury waste at least 15cm (6 inches) deep, mixing the waste with soil to help decomposition. In snow, dig down into the soil, otherwise the waste will be exposed when the snow melts. DO NOT discharge the waste directly onto the ground surface.

• Please always be conscious of your usage of water, especially in areas that are still drought affected. Washing vehicles is not acceptable in these areas. Always ask before filling your water tanks, and perhaps put a couple of dollars into a local charity box. Your goodwill gesture will be greatly appreciated.

• Please only connect to power when you have authority to do so. Using power from council provided facilities, such as from a camp kitchen without permission is the kind of action that results in some councils withdrawing these amenities.

• Please always place litter into bins if they are provided. If no bins are available, take your rubbish with you until you can dispose of it correctly.

• Do not drive on soft surfaces.

• Always leave an area cleaner than you find it. Garbage bags for this purpose are available from National Headquarters at no charge. They come in a pack of 20 and can be ordered by telephone on 02 4978 8788 or by emailing memberbenefits@cmca.net.au

• Take care of the natural environment.

• Respect Indigenous sites and heritage.

• Keep campfires small.

• Protect plants and animals at all times.