Meredith Park Campground Rules and Regulations Meredith Park is a free campground maintained by the Colac Otway Shire (as the Committee of Management) for the enjoyment and public use of all persons. The following rules are established under the Meredith Public Park Reserve Regulations 1996, made pursuant to the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978, and are legally enforceable. Please abide by these rules during your stay: General Conduct • The reserve is open to the public free of charge, except as otherwise provided by the Colac Otway Shire. • Colac Otway Shire may determine the times and days on which the reserve or any part of it is available for use, and may set conditions or restrictions for particular activities. • All visitors must comply with directions given by Authorised Officers or Colac Otway Shire staff. Camping • Camping is permitted only within the designated camping area and only with the written permission (this notification/permit) of the Colac Otway Shire and under such conditions as the Colac Otway Shire may determine. • This written permission is required for camping periods longer than 24 hours. • The maximum permitted stay is fourteen (14) days. • Written permission can be obtained via the Colac Otway Shire website or by contacting Customer Service on (03) 5232 9400. • Camping sites are allocated on a first-in basis. Noise, Behaviour, and Legal Compliance • Please respect other visitors by keeping noise to a minimum. Loud music is not permitted after 10:00 pm. • Riotous, indecent, offensive, threatening, or insulting behaviour is strictly prohibited. • The use of threatening, abusive, or insulting language is not permitted. • No person may enter or remain in the reserve while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs. • Any illegal activity, as defined by law, is strictly prohibited within the reserve. Fires and Fire Safety • Fires are only permitted in designated fireplaces provided by Colac Otway Shire or in a portable barbecue. • You must supply your own firewood. Lopping or removing native vegetation is strictly prohibited. • During the Fire Danger Period (approximately November through to May): o No fire is to be lit unless wind is less than 10km/h o There must be a 3-metre clearance of space around any fire or barbecue, free of flammable material. o The fire or barbecue must never be left unattended; a responsible adult must be present at all times while alight and have the capacity and means to extinguish the fire. o The fire must be completely extinguished if left unattended. • Total Fire Ban Days o On days of Total Fire Ban, all fires lit in the open air for warmth or cooking are strictly prohibited. o Only gas or electric barbecues for cooking, warmth, or personal comfort may be used. Only barbecues that are permanently fixed structures built of stone, metal, or another non-flammable material may be used. o The barbecue must be in a stable position and placed on a stable surface. o The barbecue must not be located under a roof or overhang. o The barbecue must never be left unattended; a responsible adult must be present at all times while alight and have the capacity and means to extinguish any fire. o These rules are enforced to protect our community. o There is no permit to light a fire on a Total Fire Ban day. Waste Management and Removal • All campers are required to remove from Meredith Park any packaging materials, broken camping equipment, petrochemical products (including but not limited to oils, fuels, and solvents), and any other waste that cannot be disposed of in the general waste bins provided on site. The bins at Meredith Park are for general household waste only. • Household waste refers to everyday rubbish generated from normal camping activities, such as food scraps, empty food and drink containers, paper, and small packaging items. It does not include large items (such as broken tents, chairs, or appliances), hazardous materials (such as batteries, gas canisters, or chemicals), or bulky packaging from new camping equipment. • If your waste does not fit entirely within the provided bins, you must take it with you when you leave. Under no circumstances should large items, hazardous materials, or excess rubbish be left at the campground or beside the bins. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in penalties and/or exclusion from Meredith Park. • Waste should not be disposed of or burnt in fireplaces. • No effluent is to be dumped from caravans or motorhomes at this site or in the public toilets on site. The nearest dump point is located at Colac Caravan Park (showgrounds), Bruce Street, Colac. • Washing plates and dishes in hand basins in the public amenities is prohibited. The toilets are connected to a septic tank that requires regular pumping. Vehicles and Parking • All vehicles should travel below walking speed within Meredith Park. • Vehicles must not be driven, ridden, or used in a manner dangerous to other reserve users or that would cause damage to any road, track, or vegetation. • Vehicles must be parked only in areas set apart for that purpose or as directed by Council Otway Shire staff. • No person shall park any vehicle in a position obstructing the lawful passage of others. • Any vehicle left unattended within the reserve for more than 48 hours may be removed at the risk and expense of the owner. Animals • Dogs are allowed on lead, under effective control. No other animals are permitted. Prohibited Activities • No person may shoot, trap, maim, injure, or kill any bird or animal, or have in their possession any firearm, poison, trap, or snare, without additional permit. • No person may remove, cut, damage, displace, deface, or interfere with any fence, lamp, roadway, structure, or vegetation. • No person may sell, trade, hire, or advertise any goods or services, or conduct any business or event, without written permission from the Council Otway Shire. Compliance and Enforcement • This notification/permit must be carried with you at all times during your stay at Meredith Park, either as an electronic copy on your device or as a printed hard copy. You must produce this permit upon request by any authorised officer. • Appointed officers may direct any person who offends against these regulations/conditions to leave the reserve immediately. • Any person who contravenes or fails to comply with these regulations/conditions is liable for penalties as prescribed in Section 13 of the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978. Camper Acknowledgement – Meredith Park Campground By proceeding with your stay at Meredith Park, you acknowledge and agree to the following: • You confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to comply with all Meredith Park Campground rules, permit conditions, and any lawful directions given by Council Otway Shire officers or emergency services during your stay. • Environmental Protection and Waste Responsibility: You are responsible for ensuring that no contamination, pollution, or environmental harm occurs as a result of your stay. Any costs associated with clean-up or remediation of environmental damage caused by you or your guests may be recovered by Council Otway Shire. • Limitation of Council’s Liability: The Colac Otway Shire Council accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to personal property, or for injury or death, except to the extent required by law. • Right to Refuse Entry or Remove Campers: Colac Otway Shire Council reserves the right to refuse entry to, or require the immediate departure of, any person who fails to comply with campground rules, permit conditions, or lawful directions, or whose behaviour is deemed unsafe or inappropriate. • Compliance with Laws and Regulations: All campers and visitors must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and Colac Otway Shire Council policies at all times. • Emergency Management and Evacuation: In the event of an emergency, all campers and visitors must follow the instructions of emergency services and Colac Otway Shire Council officers, including any evacuation orders. • Indemnity Clause: By proceeding with this booking, you acknowledge and agree that you are camping at Meredith Park at your own risk. You indemnify and hold harmless the Colac Otway Shire Council, its officers, employees, and agents from any liability, loss, damage, or injury (including death) that may occur to you, your guests, or your property during your stay, except to the extent caused by Council’s negligence or breach of statutory duty. This includes, but is not limited to, risks associated with fire, weather events, wildlife, and use of facilities. Have Safe and Enjoyable Stay We encourage all campers to download the VicEmergency App for real-time alerts and updates. In the event of an emergency, follow instructions provided by authorised Council Officers and emergency services. In case of emergency, you can stay informed via: • Vic Emergency App or https://emergency.vic.gov.au • Radio: ABC Local 594 AM, 774 AM, Mixx 106.3 FM • Facebook: https://facebook.com/cfavic We hope you enjoy everything Meredith Park has to offer: its peaceful lakeside setting, open skies, and the chance to relax or explore at your own pace. The Colac Otway Shire values every visitor and is committed to keeping Meredith Park a welcoming, safe, and beautiful place for all. Thank you for choosing to camp with us and for helping to care for this special environment. Wishing you a memorable and rewarding stay! Further Information: For more details, please contact the Colac Otway Shire on (03) 5232 9400 during business hours.