Approval extensions on temporary tiny accommodation a win for Manjimup

The Shire of Manjimup was among a group of local governments which advocated for an extension to approvals for temporary accommodation on private land in response to the housing crisis and illegal camping in the South West. As part of changes to the Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Regulations 1997, from September 1 local governments could authorise the use of caravans or tiny homes on wheels as temporary accommodation for up to two years, with the possibility of renewal. Previously, approvals were limited to three months. Manjimup Shire president Donelle Buegge said the new regulations would help reduce housing stress and potentially alleviate illegal camping of agricultural workers during peak periods. “It has very much been a collaborative (effort) from the entire South West that has got this across the board, because we are all facing exactly the same problems,” she said. “If you have a caravan, you can either allow a family member to stay in it or someone else to stay in it, which means that we just don’t have those people sleeping rough or in cars. “The concern they were having is that they were going to get in trouble by helping someone out, to give them somewhere to live. “This alleviates that fear. So, for two years, you’ll be able to help someone out with that caravan that you have in your backyard. “Hopefully, within that two years, some of the solutions will start coming to light, some of the housing that we have in the pipeline will start coming to light, and it will alleviate that pressure.” Ms Buegge said the rules would apply to sites with existing services infrastructure such as sewerage and water with the shire working on legislation regarding caravans and tiny homes on empty blocks. She said Margaret River had been at the forefront of the changes to the regulation, because of a “massive” illegal camping issue in the area and the homeless shelter closing. Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie said the reforms were 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,” she said. “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.”