Grey nomads have played a huge part in helping the Queensland coastal town of Agnes Water survive some tough economic times … and now things are really starting to look up.
Local businesses have reacted positively to the news that Gladstone Regional Council has approved a development application to extend the town’s caravan park.
The Gladstone Observer newspaper reports that the proposal would see the six-acre Agnes Water Tourist Park extended by 1.109 hectares, with land south of the park re-zoned to medium density to facilitate the extension.
The park currently has more than 60 accommodation sites including a mixture of caravan, tent, bungalow and apartment sites. Developer applicant, Beaches of 1770 Pty Ltd, would complete the extension in three stages, adding a further 36 sites to the facility.
Gladstone Region acting mayor, Chris Trevor, said that as far as he was concerned work couldn’t begin soon enough.
“Speaking from a local perspective Agnes has been doing it tough apart from the tourism aspect and a development of this nature I think would be overwhelmingly welcomed by the community to support jobs and support local business,” he said. “We were overrun by tourists on the Easter weekend and there’s no reason why that pattern of behaviour won’t continue.”
Stage 1 of the re-development would add 17 caravan and annex sites, Stage 2 would see 11 tent sites and eight powered RV sites added and a “community facilities building” for the third stage. It’s understood the Stage 3 building would be for amenities such as a shared kitchen, barbecues and showers/toilets.
“Not only will it increase development in the community but it will also provide much-needed jobs,” Cr Trevor said. “Apart from the short-term economic stimulus it will provide in the construction phase, it will also support long-term sustainable jobs in the tourist industry.”
Yes for sure.That whole part of the coast from a place called Woodgate to Bargara to 1770, Agnes Waters is a fantastic part of the QLD coast. Bargara we found to be a beautiful friendly place and the whole Bundaberg area, lots to see and do.The Sunshine coast seems to be too busy now and this area of Qld has the only just found feel.Plenty to see and do, and they all have that friendly lay back sorta attitude.Houses and land seem really cheap so I dont know how long it will stay unspoilt.Maybe its the next Sunshine Coast without all the traffic.But yes town of 1770 and Agnes Waters are beautiful.Stevo.