- Reforms to streamline caravans and other camping
approvals on private property
- Local government approval powers to extend from
three to 24 months
- Updates to the regulations will reduce red tape
and discourage unlawful camping
The Cook Government is reducing red tape by extending the
time frame local governments can approve temporary accommodation arrangements
on private land.
Caravans are often used for transitional housing while a house
is under construction, for interim arrangements following natural disasters or on
a seasonal basis.
Under the Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Regulations
1997, local governments can approve these arrangements for a maximum three
months.
The reforms aim to provide greater flexibility; from 1
September, local governments will be able to approve applications for up to 24
months maximum, which can then be renewed.
Applicants will still need to meet health and safety
requirements in the regulations, and local governments may establish policies
to guide their consideration of approvals.
Special approval is still required for more than one caravan
on a single lot.
The Local Government Minister will be able to issue
approvals in some circumstances, for example if a local government does not
deal with an application in a reasonable time frame. In such cases, health and
safety standards still need to be met.
Other changes will benefit holidaymakers; camping on private
land, without approval, will be extended from three to five days to better
align with traditional holiday periods. Fines for unauthorised camping will
increase from $100 to $200 to deter unlawful campers.
These reforms follow advocacy from regional local
governments and were developed through meetings convened by Warren-Blackwood MLA
Jane Kelsbie.
Comments attributed to Local Government
Minister Hannah Beazley:
"I'm proud to deliver these common-sense changes that local governments
and advocates for tiny homes on wheels have been seeking.
"These changes are designed to reduce the administrative
burden for applicants, who are often focused on recovering from a natural disaster
or building a new home.
"I would like to thank local governments and the Western
Australian Local Government Association for their constructive input to these
changes."
Comments attributed to Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie:
"These reforms are a game changer for anyone needing
temporary accommodation in WA, and for the growing tiny house community.
"Across Warren-Blackwood, there is a strong demand for
seasonal worker housing, and we have already witnessed the positive impact of
using tiny homes on wheels to meet this demand.
"I'm proud to have played a part in facilitating these
sensible changes, which aim to cut red tape, clarify guidelines, and offer
better protection against unlawful camping.
"Thank you to the Shires of Denmark, Manjimup, and Margaret
River for their proactive efforts in proposing and advocating for these
much-needed reforms."
