Queensland’s Fraser Coast is the latest flashpoint in the battle being fought out between some caravan park owners and their free camping ‘competitors’.
The Fraser Coast Council has four free sites within its borders and another three endorsed for construction.
The local van parks are up in arms, claiming their businesses are being hammered by the trend.
Poona Palms Caravan Park owner Don Wallace told the Fraser Coast Chronicle he has watched as operators struggle against free options since he arrived on the Fraser Coast.
“When we came to Poona in 2004 there were four caravan parks in the Sandy Strait area, with an approximate total of 294 sites – of this about 229 were available for tourists,” he told the paper. “Today there are about 129 sites left with only 79 available for tourists – this clearly shows the dramatic effect low-cost camping’s had on caravan parks.”
Fraser Coast Regional Council advises free sites are at Tiaro Memorial Park and Petrie Park, Rosendale Park near Bauple and a site was being prepared in the centre of Bauple.
The council has also endorsed the development of sites at the Munna Creek Hall,Teebar Showgrounds and Claude Wharton Park at Brooweena subject to consultation with management groups and the community.
