- 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.
As stated by 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."
As stated by 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."
