A north Queensland council will decide today whether it wants to pursue the idea of establishing an RV Park to cater to the growing needs of grey nomads and other travellers.
The Douglas Shire will consider the proposal moved by Councillor Peter McKeown who says that creating the facility in Mossman would be a ‘win-win situation’.
“We can make available a facility that will benefit the whole shire,” Cr McKeown said in his motion. “Currently, we do not attract this type of visitor to our shire as we are not an RV-friendly shire.”
He said that the creation of an RV Park would help persuade these tourists to spend more time in the area.
“I am suggesting that Council’s Tourism and Economic Development officer and Tourism Port Douglas Daintree (TPDD) develop a marketing campaign to target caravans as well as camping and RVs,” he said. “RVs do not come to this region at present … we are bypassed.”
Tourism Port Douglas Daintree Chief Executive Tara Bennett told the Newsport publication that she was fully supportive of the establishment of an RV park in Mossman.
“The township has been identified as having the range of services RV travellers seek,” she said. “This travel group will provide a significant boost to economic activity for the small business community of Mossman and surrounding Port Douglas.”
Newsport reports that the council conducted a community consultation last year with a strong response. There results showed that:
As of May 2021, there were reportedly 750,000 registered RVs in Australia … 669,000 caravans and 72,000 motorhomes and campervans. There has been a 10% growth rate since 2015.
Yes please, love to get up to Atherton and surrounds and to go down towards Mossman would be a bonus.
We believe there is room for both established caravan parks and RV Friendly Parks within tourist regions, therefore catering for more travellers. As we travel we use both of these accommodation facilities depending on what is available and/or our needs at any specific location. Many other travellers, like us, probably do much the same. Having both options (where suitable) can be a big drawcard towards getting travellers to stop and explore places they would otherwise bypass.
That would be great to stay in Mossman and surrounds with our camper as have not been there before.
Yes would love to see that happen is Mossman.
We love the area and always spend 3 months around that area. But one caravan park located on the waterfront would not respond to numerous questions we had recently. And the caretakers could not even be bothered emailing or texting …..so much for customer service.
And as much as we love that park.
Goodbye will never come back.
Definitely looking for other options as we love the area and spend lots of $$$ buying local.
Definitely a yes from me, we have a few friends who live in Port Douglas , we do not try and park at their properties so only a quick visit in and out. It is a beautiful area which needs at least 3 days to look around and perhaps do the touristy things. Please go ahead, we will be there as will many many more.
Yes definitely awesome idea
Yep, we stayed once, had a quick look at gorge. Thought it was expensive so never returned.