With the local council looking to create an extra revenue stream, a new campground at Connolly Dam south or Warwick in Queensland is poised to open soon.
A 20-site eco-friendly campground was approved earlier this year, and a $150,000 solar-powered amenities block will be installed by the end of next month.
Sothern Downs Regional Council will also make some modifications to the entry roads and improve the signage before the campground, which won’t be powered, opens.
The council said the property for the campground was within the rural zone and on the edge of the dam, so there would be no adverse impact on the land or water.
Warwick and District Fish Stocking Association secretary Ed Kemp told the Warwick Daily News that the facilities would be essential to preserving the pristine spot.
“It’s a magnificent spot and I think the campground is more geared towards the grey nomads but hopefully will help to bring in more tourists to the region,” he said. “We have discussed the potential for the council to set aside some funding to help us maintain the native fish in the dam once they get this camping area up and running; it wouldn’t have to be much money.”
Once it opens, campers will be able to stay at the site for between three and seven nights and will be required to bring their own water supply. They will not be allowed to bring pets or boats on the water.
A nightly fee will be set once construction of the campground is finished.
Former chair of Warwick Tourism and Events, Majella Kahler, told the Daily News that the camp plan was a move in the right direction for regional tourism, and that there was a huge demand for sites like this by the water.
“If the council treats Connolly Dam like it’s a commercial operation then I welcome it,” Mrs Kahler said. “As long as it’s on a level playing field with other commercial operators and the ratepayers aren’t just subsidising others’ holidays, it will be beneficial.”
• Comment below
It is a good start but they should do more research about banning dogs. No,I do not own a dog but after traveling Aus.better than 50%of travellers have a pet of some sort. Those travellers would stop at Warwick and spend.
I agree if our dog can’t go we can’t won’t go and we all know how many of us travel with our 4 legged friends.
I agree. I have 2 well trained dogs and always care for them. Another place not to go
Will be interesting to see if the council respects those members of the fish stocking association and their annual monetary contributions which assist in stocking the dam. Members are able to use their electric or paddle powered craft on the dam at weekends. Will the council continue to allow this…or will they do their usual money grab and create another fee or restriction?
We won’t be going there..silly silly..two strikes. .no dogs the biggest one
Sounds like a wonderful idea. More councils should be thinking like this.
We use these places, they save us, and we still spend around town.
Good to hear that the council is forward thinking. Look forward to seeing it up and going next time we are through. Jean from SA
Guess Council would think about including pets, no matter where. As long as owners would look after them. Some owners make it harder for the travellers that look after their pets and clean up after them.
Not cool banning dogs, but it’s worth a try.
I’m assuming the dog ban has something to do with hygiene? Obviously if the dam is the regions water supply, no one wants dog waste in run off!
Hi Wendy, you will find most nomads who have dogs with them are very keen to keep place clean & pick up their dog droppings!
Good on you warwick council, we often come through and wished there was an alternate camping site