Brisbane to Melbourne Roadtrip

Although we really loved Bear Gully Reserve we were disappointed that Vic National Parks were now charging people to stay here whereas it once was free to camp. Not only that, they were charging almost as much as you would pay in a caravan park but without the facilities you get at a caravan park of course. If you can cram a LOT of people onto one campsite the price might be reasonable but for couples travelling it is too much. Are they trying to stop people camping in National Parks?