The battle to save a much-loved Queensland coastal caravan park has cranked up a notch or two.
Fraser Coast Regional Council has reported a record response to its community engagement process regarding the future of Torquay Caravan Park.
And, at the same time, a petition organised by the ‘Save Our Torquay Caravan Park in Hervey Bay’ action group has reportedly collected a whopping 12,000 signatures.
The council’s call for community feedback put forward three options:
There is huge community support for the retention of the Torquay Caravan Park. PIC: Fraser Coast Regional Council
There were 4,385 completed surveys returned and the results were pretty overwhelming.
Some 76% of respondents indicated a preference for upgrading the caravan park as it provided the greatest benefit to the community; some 9% preferred the open space parkland option; and 15% supported the premium playground concept.
Mayor George Seymour said the strong response reflects how much the community values this part of the coastline.
“The Torquay foreshore holds special meaning for many people, and this has clearly resonated across the community,” he said. “The feedback received will now help guide Council’s decision.”
The responses showed 80% of those aged 35 and over preferred upgrading the existing caravan park; while a higher proportion (62%) of those younger than 35 preferred the parkland options.
Council officers will now prepare a detailed engagement report and a report to Council.
Councillors are expected to consider the matter at the December Council meeting.
The ‘Save Our Torquay Caravan Park in Hervey Bay’ Facebook page says Hervey Bay has three remaining beachfront caravan parks located along our beautiful Esplanade foreshore.
“The Torquay Caravan Park is under threat as Council is debating whether to close it and return it to ‘green space’,” it said. “We, the community that live here or visit Hervey Bay, believe our caravan parks are part of the essential fabric that makes us unique … please help us save the Torquay Caravan Park.”
However, there are indications that some councils are seeking to get out of the caravan park business for financial reasons.
Last month, Queensland’s North Burnett Regional Council said it was exiting its ownership and operation of its four parks over the course of the current financial year.
In a statement, it said the move was in line with its commitment to focus its resources on the core services which matter most to its community.
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My Take on this topic,Caravan parks should never be owned by councils.
Keep the caravan parks and upgrade them the tourists will back you all the way otherwise big developers will take over it’s a lovely camp area otherwise it will be another Gold Coast
I agree with AG that caravan parks should not be owned by councils. There seems to be in this case from what have read that council have lost all connection with their constituents and decisions made without direction and proper consultation.
Those existing caravan parks should remain for the enjoyment and pleasure for future generations.
Definitely keep our beachfront caravan parks. Upgrade the Torquay Park like the other parks have already been done. These parks are a major draw card for tourists. This is what makes Hervey Bay so popular. We don’t need to become another Gold Coast.
Caravan parks are grass roots for any town. They need to be protected from big development. I agree council does not always have the best interest of constituents at heart. The demographic who want parkland probably have young kids. There is an abundant demographic that see beyond just the next 20 years. I’m one of them and yes I have a caravan
With a total of 17 caravan parks in Hervey Bay, including those that are council owned, there is no shortage of availability and choice.
Hervey Bay growth rate is extensive with new residential suburbs developing and there is a real reason for diversity and growth towards greater facilities that cater to the growing population and young families. The council has upgraded 2 of the 3 parks on the foreshore and I believe it is strong foresight from the council to consider what other options there are for the third site and not just remain in, it’s always been this way mentality.
The majority of the foreshore along the bay are ‘green’ areas. There is absolutely no need for any more, and especially kids playgrounds of which there are more than enough! Councils have no idea about anything!
Don’t touch whatz been a home to Caravan park residences – forget development & trying to take any slice of their paradise. Greedy Councils are everywhere !!!
What a lot of people dont realise is the the caravan parks owned by the Fraser Coast Council generate a huge amount of income for the ratepayers. Without that income rates would be going up further!
Hervey Bay caravan parks have been frequented by families for many decades. They should remain for future generations of locals and tourists to enjoy our lovely, unique beaches. I agree that we do not want to be like the Gold Coast.
Please Please leave the Caravan Park there!! Does it need improvement?? People go there for what is already there – it’s all about the view. I have memories from my early Highschool days…. Not many things from then have remained – please leave this jewel…. For the next 40 years at least!! ⛺️️⛺️️
As a Hervey Bay resident, to propose a closure of this park in favour ofvopen soacecwas ludicrous. Councillors of most councils as well as developers have a deafness to what the community is saying and forget that us residents are the heart and soul of where we live. Now let’s hope Hervey Bay is further protected from the horrid proposed twin tower development on the Esplanade.
The most reasonably priced parks in WA are owned/managed by councils. Sure some are old and none have bouncy castles etc. but as long as the power & water work and the ablutions are clean that’s OK for me. At $25 – 35 pn you get what you pay for and the park at Carnamah is an absolute gem and a steal at $28 pn ( a year ago)
Yes definitely keep the 3 caravan parks.
Not everyone can afford luxury apartment accommodation.
It’s a part of the maryborough, hervey bay heritage.
Keep the caravan park. It is wonderful to be able to step outside your caravan and onto the beach.
One of the best position for a caravan park I’ve ever been too , will be there again in 2 weeks ! And we spend money in town on all sorts of things , keep the park please