Scenic Rim Regional Council, Media Release, 1 April 2026

Scenic Rim Regional Council has reaffirmed its support and commitment to agritourism across the region with a focus on community safety, responsible land use and long-term sustainability.

A report presented at yesterday’s Ordinary Meeting outlined significant progress made over the past year – including stakeholder engagement, compliance activities and collaboration with industry and government partners – concerning camping-related short-term accommodation.

Council also endorsed continued work to develop practical pathways for agritourism camping on privately owned rural land, while acknowledging that further work is required to address planning, disaster management and risk mitigation considerations.

Scenic Rim’s Tourism and Regional Events Portfolio Councillor Jennifer Sanders said the region’s growing reputation as a premier visitor destination made it essential to find the correct balance between economic opportunity and risk management.

“The Scenic Rim is one of Australia’s most loved regional destinations, and agritourism plays a vital role in our local economy and identity,” she said.

“We know there is strong interest from landholders wanting to diversify their income through camping experiences, and we have seen some high quality developments that have met or exceeded Council’s planning and safety requirements.

“While Council is keen to support agritourism, we must ensure that all these activities are safe, appropriately located and managed in a way that protects both visitors and our communities.”

Agritourism has become an increasingly important contributor to the Scenic Rim’s economy, which generated approximately $274 million and supported more than 2,300 local jobs in the year ending September 2025.

Since 2023, Council has delivered annual short-term accommodation information sessions to raise providers’ awareness of agritourism camping activities that may place visitors and operators at risk.  

“In some cases, camping sites have been located in areas prone to flooding, bushfire or landslip, or in locations that may impact neighbouring properties and farming operations,” Cr Sanders said.

“During the past year, Council has undertaken a range of initiatives including the establishment of a Camping Working Group and is committed to continuing discussions with this as well as industry and rural landowners who may be impacted by camping operations.

“Agritourism presents real opportunities for economic growth and resilience in the Scenic Rim, but it must be carried out responsibly.”