Proposed changes to the laws covering camping and caravanning in Western Australia have been met with shock, but proponents say no new regulations had been added to the rules.

Key points: The WA government is developing new caravanning and camping legislation to replace the 1995 version

The WA government is developing new caravanning and camping legislation to replace the 1995 version A consultation paper is out for public feedback before a draft bill is developed next year

A consultation paper is out for public feedback before a draft bill is developed next year Paper includes provision that forces a landholder to obtain a permit if someone camps or parks a caravan on private land for more than three days

Paper includes provision that forces a landholder to obtain a permit if someone camps or parks a caravan on private land for more than three days Pastoral lease holders could offer camping and caravanning stays on their property

The Department of Local Government has put out a consultation paper with the proposed changes for public comment before a draft bill is developed next year.

"The current legislation is from 1995," department principal legislation officer Sheryl Siekierka told John McGlue on 720 ABC Perth.

"The industry and what consumers want have changed significantly since then.

"What we are trying to do is free up the industry, so people have more choice about what they do on their holidays and where they go but also focussing on the health and safety aspects."

Last year about 1.27 million visitors went caravanning or camping in WA, generating 6.8 million visitor nights and injecting $868 million into the state's economy.

Pitching a tent on private land not okay

Many listeners were shocked to learn landholders were required to obtain a permit from the local council if someone camped or parked a caravan on private land for more than three days.

"I think that is ridiculous," talkback caller Cheryl said.

"People for generations have been going to stay with their relatives and parking their caravans in the driveway and there haven't been any health and safety issues."

Ms Siekierka defended the rules, saying the law was not new but many people were unaware of it.

"[Stopping at private homes] impacts on the neighbours, and we need to look at whether there are waste facilities and whether it is safe for those people to be there," she said.

"Where are they getting their water from? Where is their waste going, what toilet facilities have they got?"

Brett via SMS: "Who do these people think they are? I will have as many people stay at my place as I want, and I will never apply for a licence, they can get stuffed.

The consultation paper also explores ways for pastoral lease holders to offer camping and caravan stays on properties.

"They will be able apply for a licence to have people and that is checked out by the local government and approved," she said.

"So those facilities are actually being opened up by this proposed legislation."

29,000 people are living long-term in residential parks in Western Australia.

Reform for long-term caravan park residents

The review is also looking to address the issues faced by the 29,000 people in WA who live in caravan parks, who can face suddenly having to move a mobile home if a park changes hands.

"One of the issues with people living permanently in caravan parks, particularly the ones that buy the caravan or park home, is that there is a misconception that they have a right to the land," Ms Siekierka said.

"In fact they don't.

"They own the structure but if the leaseholder changes or the ownership of the park changes, then that person has every right to say 'move on'."

Under the current legislation, any home at a caravan park must remain roadworthy and be able to move at 24 hours notice if required.

The department has proposed creating two categories for park homes — one for mobile caravans and another for homes which are not mobile but transportable.

"Those home will have to get building approval to be constructed and because they will be less mobile, and because they couldn't easily move if a fire or cyclone comes through we need to ensure the buildings are safer than they currently are."

The new laws would likely not apply to existing park homes, Ms Siekierka said.

Chris via SMS: Just continue doing what we have always done. Camp where you like. Don't get caught. Clean up your mess and leave it looking better than when you arrived.

Sharon via SMS: I'm appalled by these nanny rules. I believe the vulnerable will be affected and the 'safety' aspect, well that's just ridiculous!

Ms Siekierka received a storm of protest from 720 ABC Perth talkback callers, and encouraged them to make a submission to the department online.

"This proposal doesn't restrict camping any more than the existing legislation does," she said.

"There are a huge number of rules and regulations now and one of the things we are trying to do is reduce those."