The Victorian Fisheries Authority is inviting feedback on the draft licensed river frontage regulations with public consultation ending on Monday, April 26.
Andrew Crossman said his family spent years fighting to get campers off the riverbank which had been left "virtually denuded".
Since it had stopped, he said the whole area had been rejuvenated with native animals and birdlife returning along with the flora, making it a thriving wildlife corridor.
“We wouldn’t want to see that disappear again if we have too many problems with campers; but we realise they also need to have access to all sorts of places,” he said.
“And to be fair they should; but we are yet to see how this will all be managed.
“The other thing to remember is the importance of these campers to the local economy, in our case the Torrumbarry store/roadhouse and the pub, and that flow-on impact across our whole community.”
A VFA spokesperson said the public was already able to lawfully access licensed river frontages for recreation such as fishing, picnicking and hiking, just not camping.
“The public already camp in state forests in harmony with farmers who have grazing licences,” they said.
“We understand there is significant interest in the proposed changes and that is why we are extending the consultation period until April 26 to allow more people to read the draft regulations which will govern camping on these areas.
“No changes will come into place until September 1, 2021.”
State Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh visited Mr Crossman at his property and said the visit to Torrumbarry highlighted the complexities of changes to licenced river frontage regulations.
“The draft regulations in their current format raise more questions than answers,” Mr Walsh said.
“Questions relating to waste management, water quality, bushfire risk, vulnerable species, biosecurity, public liability and protection of stock need addressing.
“Looking specifically at the Murray, Campaspe, Goulburn, Avoca and Loddon through my electorate; there needs to be consideration to ensure public accessibility will not negatively impact on soil erosion, riverbank stabilisation, native vegetation regeneration and water quality.”
Public submissions on the licensed river frontage draft regulations close on Monday, April 26 and can be made to engage.vic.gov.au/regulated-watercourse-land-regulations
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