A CHANGE.ORG petition asking for red tape to be cut to allow Scenic Rim farmers to earn income from camping on their properties has exceeded 20,000 signatures.
The petition started following a compliance crackdown by Scenic Rim Regional Council which resulted in a number of properties ceasing their camping operations.
Council has since established a working group which has met twice to discuss a range of opportunities and challenges associated with short-term accommodation (camping) in the region.
Regulation
The people behind the petition remain anonymous, siting fear of retribution from Council officers, but they say the petition’s objective is to achieve a clear, concise one- to two-page guideline – similar to the framework offered by Somerset and Southern Downs Councils – for landowners who are not undertaking infrastructure works.
“A key point of concern remains: if SRRC permits up to five campers on certain land sizes, why is a full development application still required?” a spokesperson for the petitioners asked.
“In previous conversations with the Mayor, he acknowledged the need for a simpler process.”
“The reality is that the current pathway could cost applicants up to $200,000—without any guarantee of approval.”
“This petition has gained momentum and I understand it is likely to be raised at the upcoming Council meeting.”
Supporters
Many people who signed the petition stressed the importance of access to these sites for families, farmers and rural communities.
“These camp sites on farms are essential,” a comment from a signatory named Kaye stated.
“It’s a small cashflow for farmers when times are tough, it also provides those farmers with a variety of people to talk too.”
“This is very good for the farmers’ wellbeing. A lot of farms have the most amazing views, peaceful environment and that’s what a lot of busy families need. Ease up councils, too much regulation.”
Hipcamp
Many of the camping operators from all parts of the Scenic Rim have been running via the Hipcamp website, which is a similar platform to Air BNB.
Hipcamp’s Head of Government and Community Relations, Michal Rosenoer, said Hipcamp’s government and community relations team is in regular contact with councils across Queensland, including Scenic Rim, as well as state government, to explore how they can work together to support responsible outdoor recreation on private land while protecting community interests.
“There’s growing interest from landholders in offering small-scale camping as a way to support their livelihoods, care for their land, and contribute to regional tourism,” Mr Rosenoer said.
“For many farmers, this is a way to diversify and stay afloat during tough economic times and in the current cost of living crisis.”
“At the same time, we recognise that councils are working within long-standing regulatory frameworks.”
“These systems weren’t designed with today’s agritourism trends in mind, and meaningful change is never quick or simple.”
“That’s why Hipcamp is investing further in our Australian operations by currently hiring a full-time government and community relations manager to help strengthen relationships with local and state governments and work toward policy that balances opportunity with community values.”
Closing down
A Council spokesperson said Council understands a small number of operators have ceased their operations in recent times.
