Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) and Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMV) are asking campers to stick to designated camping areas at Delatite Arm Reserve over the Easter long weekend.
Delatite Arm Reserve at Lake Eildon is home to a number of popular camping spots that are visited by thousands each year.
Camping below the high water mark, regardless of the water level, is prohibited under GMW’s recreational by-laws. Authorised officers are able to issue penalties of up to $3000 to those who break the rules.
FFMV and GMW have been speaking with visitors in the area since December last year to reiterate the appropriate camping areas, advising campers they will be directed to move if they are camping below the high water mark. Penalties will begin to be enforced at the end of March.
GMW General Manager Water Storage Services Martina Cusack said the recreational by-laws are in place to protect the water quality of the lake.
“With thousands of visitors to the Delatite Arm Reserve each year, it is vital to protect its water quality and ensure the area remains safe and clean for all users,” Ms Cusack said.
“We welcome the public to come and enjoy everything Lake Eildon has to offer – whether it’s camping, boating or fishing. We just ask that visitors follow our recreational by-laws and respect our beautiful waterways.”
FFMV Forest Management and Roading Officer Will Bailey said most campers have been happy to move to the appropriate place when asked, and Easter is set to be a busy weekend.
“You’ll see us and GMW out patrolling over busy periods and if you’re camping outside of designated camping areas, we will direct you to move to a more appropriate spot,” he said.
“We know it’s an adjustment that campers will need to make and we appreciate those who are doing the right thing.
“There’s a lot of people who go camping on long weekends, and we ask that you be willing to move onto another campsite if your first choice is full. Make sure you have a plan – full campsites are not an excuse to camp below the high water mark.”
Ms Cusack said it was also timely to remind campers and day trippers to take their rubbish home.
“We’re reminding everyone to take their rubbish home with them – recently lots of rubbish has been left around Lake Eildon, which is disappointing,” Ms Cusack said.
“Take your rubbish home and help keep our environment and Lake Eildon safe and clean for everyone to use for generations to come.”
GMW’s recreational by-laws, as well as recreation guides, can be found at www.gmwater.com.au/recreation
A blue-green algae warning remains current for Lake Eildon. More information can be found at https://www.g-mwater.com.au/news/bga.