The New South Wales town of Crookwell is determined to encourage grey nomads and other travellers to visit by offering a free short-term RV campsite … but it just can’t agree on where it should be!
When the council in the attractive Southern Tablelands community tasked the Upper Lachlan Tourist Association with finding a new location suitable for parking caravans and motorhomes for 24-48 hours, it quickly identified the town’s Roberts Street car park as the prime spot.
However, when a Draft Plan of Management for the car park in Crookwell was placed on public exhibition for 30 days, community feedback was less than enthusiastic.
The Crookwell Gazette reports that many submissions were received, raising concerns relating to traffic management, noise disturbance, a reduction in available car park spaces, and the cost associated with rubbish removal and the use of water and the dumpsite.
The Crookwell Progress Association also wrote to the council objecting to the car park change of use. The Association points out extra costs will be incurred to monitor the term of ‘free parking.’ It also said the associated decrease in public parking spaces would negatively affect local businesses. The Association also said it would be a little unfair to charge people to camp in a tent at the caravan park, while large vehicles in the car park would get to stay a night for free.
The council was also told that some travellers had already ‘informally’ started to use the car park overnight, and the Crookwell Gazette reports that one person suggested that the Pat Cullen Reserve along the Kiamma Creek area would be a more suitable location for an RV park.
In any event, councillors voted not to adopt the Roberts Street Car Park Plan of Management … so it is very much back to the drawing board for those hoping to find a free RV parking spot in order to lure more grey nomads to Crookwell.
Watch this space!
Once again the short sightedness of a few can the business opportunities of the rest of the local business.
The Wagin Shire in Western Australia opened the showground at $12 for a powered site, $6 unpowered but you have to be self contained. One of the town councilors comes around every day and informs people of the local tourist attractions. The council also own the caravan park and want people to stay in either and spend in their town .Our caravan club stayed recently for 4 nights and thoroughly enjoyed Wagins hospitality
The Alexandrina Council is also faced with community backlash in Goolwa, SA, by a very few residents (who I know do not own RV’s and so have never used free camps). Once again the vocal minority rules! Their concerns were outrageous, including all night parties, theft, fire and danger for children! Goolwa has so much to offer and will continue to miss the benefits of more visitors.
We used the Parking area behind tennis courts, only short walk to shop. Lovely spot