Caravan, camping facilities closed

Published on 26 March 2020

Visitors to the Gannawarra Shire are reminded that due to State Government measures to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, caravan parks, camping grounds and RV parks are now closed.

The closures, which came into effect at 11.59PM on Wednesday, 25 March, impact visitors to numerous venues throughout the municipality.

“The Gannawarra is a popular spot for caravanners, campers and RV operators throughout the year,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.

“Our local caravan park operators were busy preparing for what is traditionally one of the busiest times of the year.

“The action to close caravan parks and camping facilities follows the ban on all non-essential travel and is another way of reducing the risk of infection and spread of Coronavirus within our community.”

Exemptions are in place for people who have the caravan park they are staying in registered as their primary place of residence, as well as those who are located in caravan parks as interim accommodation whilst their primary residence is not available.

“Parks Victoria, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and local government authorised officers will undertake inspections in the coming weeks to ensure that campsites, caravan parks and camping grounds are compliant,” Mayor Learmonth said.

“Council has placed signage at its RV camps at Cohuna, Kerang, Leitchville and Reedy Lake advising of the closure, as well as enacting the forced closure of Council-managed caravan parks at Cohuna, Koondrook and Quambatook.”

Operators of other such parks located throughout the Gannawarra Shire are advised that signage should be displayed at the road entrances and on main buildings indicating that the park or camping ground is closed.

Persons wishing to retrieve belongings from closed caravan parks and camping grounds will need to contact the land manager/operator who will stage retrieval to ensure compliance with Mass Gathering Directions and social distancing.

For more information regarding Coronavirus and Council’s efforts, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/coronavirus   

Residents who are concerned regarding Coronavirus are encouraged to phone the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 or visit www.vic.gov.au/coronavirus