The Hervey Bay community rallies to safeguard Torquay Caravan Park
Pamela Dibbon, a retiree with a picturesque view of Hervey Bay from her caravan, reminisces about her cherished memories in the town. She adores the area, particularly its beautiful beach.
For the past eight summers, Ms. Dibbon and her husband have made the three-hour journey from Victoria to Hervey Bay, calling Torquay Caravan Park their summer home. However, the council's recent consideration to close the park, one of four in the town, has sparked concern.
This dilemma is not unique to Ms. Dibbon. Experts note that as more councils opt to abandon caravan parks, despite rising demand, many travelers face similar challenges.
Green spaces or caravan parks?
Last year, the Fraser Coast Regional Council unanimously decided to halt a planned $8 million upgrade to the caravan park.
Councillor Zane O'Keefe argued that the park occupied valuable space on Hervey Bay's seaside esplanade, which should be accessible to the public. Yet, former councillor Sue Brooks countered that residents had not expressed feelings of overcrowding.
She explained that the barbecue area is only inaccessible during special events like weddings or celebrations, and people can still access other nearby facilities.
The council proposed alternative uses for the site, including an open green space or a playground. However, these suggestions sparked public outrage, leading to a petition and protests by the community group Save the Torquay Caravan Park, which gathered approximately 12,000 signatures.
Ms. Brooks was taken aback by the public's overwhelming support.
"The issue has united our community like no other," she said.
A council survey, which attracted an unprecedented 4,385 responses, revealed that 76% of respondents favored retaining the caravan park.
Concerns over closure
Business owners near the park expressed fears of potential closure if the caravan park were transformed into public parkland.
A report by the Caravan Parks Association of Queensland estimated that the site supported around 45 jobs and could contribute $5.56 million to the local economy.
Pharmacy manager Aimee Chapman, who caters to grey nomads visiting from southern states during the summer, worries about the detrimental impact of the park's closure on her business.
She anticipates potential staff layoffs due to the loss of visitors.
Saving ratepayers' funds
In September, the North Burnett Regional Council announced its intention to relinquish ownership of four caravan parks.
A spokesperson explained that operating caravan parks was outside the scope of local government, and the council would transfer ownership and management to private operators to enhance long-term financial sustainability.
This decision followed a 25% rate increase in July to cover rising utility and service costs.
Rodney Caldicott, a tourism researcher at Southern Cross University, attributed the council's decision to the desire to offload caravan parks due to maintenance costs.
He warned that passing these costs onto ratepayers could foster resentment within the community, though this did not seem to be the case in Hervey Bay.
"So, local ratepayers might think, 'We recently received a rate increase to support Victorians who visit here and enjoy the prime location, but I can't afford to live near the coast,'" Mr. Caldicott said.
"This can create a sense of community."
He emphasized the councils' dilemma: choosing between revenue and residents.
"They must consider that if they lack the revenue from the caravan park to maintain their parkland, ratepayers will bear the burden," Mr. Caldicott added.
Caravan Parks Association of Queensland CEO Michelle Weston noted that more councils are exploring alternative management options for caravan parks rather than outright closures.
"It's common for councils to lease their caravan parks or have management contracts in place," she said.
However, she warned that caravan park closures could negatively impact tourist numbers in regional areas, as commercial parks may not have the capacity to accommodate visitors during peak periods.
