Caravans

Visiting The Area?

The regulations regarding the use of caravans are contained within Break O'Day Council Caravans By-Law No. 5 of 2001.  A complete copy of the By-Laws can be downloaded here Caravans By-Law No.5 of 2001 (41 kb)

The council by-laws stipulate caravans may be occupied if they are situated on:

• Council land appointed as a caravan park:
• Private land licensed by the Council as a caravan park; or
• Private land and properly licensed by the Council.

You must not occupy a caravan if it is erected, parked or placed on any road, public reserve or other public place. There is a penalty of up to $500 for doing so. This by-law allows for an infringement notice to be issued and a daily fine for an ongoing offence.

An authorised officer of Council may issue an infringement notice, which imposes a fine on any person found to have committed the offence of:

• Occupying a caravan on land without a licence;
• Occupying a caravan which is erected, parked or placed on any road, public reserve or other public place;
• As the owner or occupier of land, allowing occupation of a caravan upon that land without a licence.

The Break O' Day Municipal area incorporates three caravan parks, that are available all year round;

• Scamander Kookaburra Caravan Park - Scamander 03 6372 5121
• St Helens Caravan Park - St Helens 03 6376 1290
• Hillcrest Tourist Park & Mini Market - St Helens 03 6376 3298

There are also free camping grounds in the area that are ideal for caravans, they are well signposted and in great locations. For further information please see the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife site www.parks.tas.gov.au or contact the St Helens office on 03 6376 1550.

Long term Caravan Occupation/Use?

No one is entitled to occupy a caravan for more than 7 days in any one calendar month without a current licence issued by the Council. A licence is also needed if a caravan is set up for occupation and remains on any land for more than 14 days unless it is only used for storage.

If you intend to place your caravan on private land and occupy it as a residence, whether on a temporary or permanent basis, you need to have it licensed with the council.

Caravans need not be licensed if they are:

• placed on Council land appointed as a caravan park;
• situated on private land licensed by the Council as a caravan park;
• used by a travelling show person in the ordinary course of their business;
• used by Council work gangs or contractors involved in construction work for the Council;
• situated at a person's principal residence and used solely for the purpose of storage; or
• exempted by the General Manager in accordance with Council policy.

To apply for a caravan licence, you need to complete a Development Application Form, providing details of the proposed method for the disposal of nightsoil and sullage water from the caravan - this method must be approved by Council. You are also required to submit a copy of the certificate of title, a detailed site plan showing neighbouring dwellings, accesses, existing buildings and landscaping. The site plan is preferred to be A4 in size and to scale of 1:100. Upon submitting the application, the prescribed fees are also required for payment - the Application fee currently being $150.00.

Using a caravan whilst building?

While building your home on land which you own you may live temporarily in a caravan sited on that land. However, you must first apply for a caravan licence from Council before doing so. An Authorised Officer can extend the term of the licence if it is considered that reasonable progress is being made on the construction of the unfinished house.

 Can I charge rent for the use of my caravan?

As the owner or occupier of land you must not allow any person to occupy a caravan situated on that land in exchange for rent either paid to you or to some other person.

If a caravan is to be rented for tourist accommodation an accommodation licence or permit may be required under the Liquor and Accommodation Act 1990. Applications can be made to the licensing board and to find more information on the subject go to www.business.gov.au or www.bli.net.au