Another regional area has recognised the huge importance of grey nomads to its local economy and looks set to roll out a new strategy to give travellers a lot more of what they want.
The Great Western Plains Region of New South Wales – which is comprised of the local government areas of Dubbo, Narromine, Wurrumbungle, Gilgandra, Coonamble and Warren – is looking at opening a network of low-cost camping areas.
A new report into caravanning and camping in the area has recommended 10 sites be selected across the region to provide low-cost, high-quality facilities that are serviced daily by trained and friendly staff. The Daily Liberal newspaper reports that these facilities would include toilets, a dump point, garbage facilities, water, fireplaces and solar-powered hotspots for mobile phone and internet access.
According to the report, if visitors are provided with high-quality and well-maintained facilities they will respect and take care of them. It’s also proposed that the sites be low-cost rather than free, with the initial nightly fee set between $5 and $10.
Dubbo Regional Council director economic development and business Natasha Comber told the Daily Liberal that the report found the economic impact of camping in the region included a direct gross regional product of $30.6 million, and directly supported 350 jobs and a further 68 indirect jobs.
As well as the economic value of the industry, Ms Comber told the newspaper that the report also identified the risks and opportunities for local councils and communities looking to support growth of the caravanning sector.
Of the 862,240 visitors to the Great Western Plains Region in 2016, 22% were camping and caravanning visitors. Domestic caravanners stayed an average of 2.1 nights in the region, spending about $148 per day.
The Great Western Plains is popular with travellers due to its proximity to attractions such as the Wellington Caves, Taronga Western Plains Zoo, the Sliding Springs Observatory and the Warrumbungle National Park.
The report will also be used to support future funding applications.
• Comment below
As a grey nomad myself I think this is a great initiative. We love to support small communities, We would definately use these parking areas.
Ya who Great. I will be making use of these if built. Very similar to Qld outback. Stonehenge and Bedourie come to mind. The only thing I believe that should be installed are cctv/security cameras to stop/slow down the scum that WILL try to destroy these facilities.
What a fantastic initiative. I’m hoping they do this. Just a bit concerned that these sites might attract permanent caravans. Might be a good idea to limit the camping period?
Great initiative. Take out the grey nomads, or as we call us, the silver army, and the economy will grind to a very slow pace. We don’t need to spend exorbitant prices in parks to support these towns. Take into consideration fuel, food, drinks, attractions etc. and they will be way in front. There is always another town down the road if you are greedy
I like Laurie’s comment about the security cameras. Run them on solar. Genuine Grey nomads will always look after a camp site.
Thumbs up. The Nomad market is quite often unappreciated. When we travel we take some supplies but always spend in those communities we visit even if it is a latte or two.
As a touring grey nomad we just returned from a trip through the western plains area, spent a month not long enough. If possible we always support rural communities that welcome us with low cost stays. We fuel up, shop and where possible eat at a local pub or club as a way of saying thanks. The happy hour talk always gets around to low cost stays and which town, area welcomes us or rejects us.
Open these sites up and they will be used
Well can I say this.
If you say in these sites then get a discount for same, by spending on groceries ,Fuel, The Butcher, and the Candle stick maker via the local shopper docket system. Support the locals for your $10 per night or pay the full and true cost to the local Rate Payers.
What goes around, comes around.
Some, not all will wait till they reach the larger towns to save on costs on the same items.
Fairs Fair.
Pretty simple really we have just spent 2 months travelling from Gippsland to emerald and on our way back and found a few towns not wanting greynomads we just stop at the towns where we’re welcome the number of greynomads must be huge so on the upside the towns that welcome us reap the rewards, we spent 3 nights at colliope near Gladstone and spent over $1200.00 new tyres etc we look forward to seeing these new rest areas at least make them 48hours which would encourage more spending 20 or 24 hours is just a nights rest and doesn’t encourage a lot of spending in my opinion we drive a motorhome not that it makes a difference what we drive. Danny and Rosina and 2 dogs