A Scenic Rim farmer says council red tape around private camping is threatening the future of his family property, highlighting ongoing challenges for rural landowners trying to diversify their income.
Sarabah cattle farmer Robert Roberts began hosting campers on his 200-hectare property through online platform Hipcamp in 2020, offering a small number of low-impact campsites along a creek. Charging around $30 per night, he said the extra income helped cover rising farm costs.
However, Mr Roberts said he was forced to shut the operation down after being told by Scenic Rim Regional Council that a development permit was required. Because the land falls within bushfire, flood, and environmental overlays, he would need multiple specialist reports, a process he estimates could cost more than $100,000, with no guarantee of approval.
He said the loss of income has made the property increasingly difficult to maintain and has led him to consider selling land his family has owned for more than 50 years.
The Queensland Government has recently released new planning guidance aimed at supporting farm-based camping and agritourism, while council confirmed it is reviewing local planning laws. In the meantime, permit requirements remain in place.