If elected, Liberal leader Matthew Guy will overturn Crown land camping regulations enacted by the Andrews Government.
“It’s clear that we need to strike a balance between access to public space and the potential threat to our livestock industry,” Mr Guy said.
“This policy provides better protection of waterways and land as well as protections for licence holders, their stock and property.”
The promise comes four years after Labor pledged to open 17,000km of Crown river frontage to campers to “give Victorians more options to enjoy the great outdoors”.
Under the regulations enacted in September last year, roughly 90 river frontages are now open for camping at sites deemed “suitable” by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
Farmers and landholders have expressed concerns over biosecurity, environmental damage and potential liability for any accidents on leased Crown land.
“Landholders are understandably worried and despite repeated requests they remain uneasy about the threat of being sued,” Opposition Fishing and Boating spokesman Bill Tilley said.
“Farmers don’t know where they stand if someone injures themself on the property on their licence.”
Mr Tilley criticised the “horrendous” allocations, noting some frontages deemed suitable for camping required “a machete and a snake bite kit” to access.
The public can already legally access licensed river frontages for fishing, hiking and picnicking under the Coalition’s plans.
Kiewa Valley beef farmer Berlinda Pearce said more detail was needed on the policy, including whether farmers could refuse permission.
“I don't oppose camping. We have reserves right throughout Victoria; we have public land that is not grazing land that has river frontage,” Ms Pearce said.
“Why not put some resources into them?”
She said the changes should be thrown out altogether.
"With foot and mouth disease on our doorstep, what better reason do you need?"
VFF president Emma Germano said the Coalition appeared to have “watered down” its position on the contentious issue.
“The Coalition had previously committed to farmers being able to ‘opt-in’ to allowing camping on licensed Crown water frontages,” Ms Germano said.
“It is unclear from their recent announcement if that commitment remains their policy.”
The VFF demanded more detail on how licensees would give permission to people accessing water frontages.
“We have consistently said we need to avoid the situation where farmers have to police activities on Crown land,” Ms Germano said.
"Ultimately the best approach would be to ban camping on Crown licences because the risks to the livelihoods of farmers and the health of the environment are too great.”
A Victorian Government spokesperson said all potential campsites were thoroughly and consistently assessed, and biosecurity was “top-of-mind” in the event of a foot and mouth outbreak.
“Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility, and we all need to help protect our agriculture, our economy and our unique natural environment,” the spokesperson said.