Another of Australia’s fast-disappearing coastal caravan parks is teetering on the edge of extinction as councillors on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast prepare to vote on its fate.
The future – or lack of it – of Mooloolaba Caravan Park will be the key item on the agenda as councillors gather in Nambour tomorrow for the final ordinary meeting of the year.
The current lease on the iconic park at northern end of the Esplanade is due to expire on June 30, 2017 with plans well advanced for its removal and the creation of a coastal walkway connecting Mooloolaba with Alexandra Headland and Maroochydore in its stead.
However, there has been a significant backlash, with a petition opposing the proposals gathering 3400 signatures, and Caravanning Queensland CEO Ron Chapman saying it would be a ‘great shame’ to see the site disappear.
Although the deal looks close to being done, a last ditch bid has been launched to save the park. The Sunshine Coast Daily reports that Councillor Greg Rogerson intends to move a motion tomorrow asking for the site – which generates about $300,000 in revenue annually – to be heritage listed.
And there is support. Cr Ted Hungerford said he feared the proposal could lead to a further ‘squeezing out’ of lower-income families looking to holiday in the area,
The Sunshine Coast Daily says a report to be presented to the council will reveal a predicted economic windfall associated with the current plans. The removal of the van park will enable current events like Ironman 70.3 to be extended, as well as attracting Margaret River-esque food and wine festivals at the site.
However, some councillors remain unconvinced that the predicted benefits would outweigh the current economic injection generated year-round by holidaymakers using the site.
A long and emotional debate on the issue is expected tomorrow.
* Do you think the park should be saved? Comment below.
Would you have a link to the petition site?
We normally stay at the park just down from this one and I can see that if this park goes then it is going to get harder to get a spot at this caravan park we stay at
YES!! The best ocean side caravan park site in all our travels around the coast of Australia!!! And yes, we’ve travelled all states.
as is in every case like this, someone has another agenda, Votes generally. However, they don’t see the bigger picture in the not too distant future. To know that is to ask the question, How many caravans are being built per year. So $300,000 generated today equals what in 5 years from now … fools.
Well said Vito.
I wonder where all the caravans etc are going to go when all the coastal parks are closed.
These councilors really are a weird mob
I think we Grey Nomads SHOULD start our own political party ??– The GNP there are thousands of us and we would have some sort of political persuasion, every one of these towns all expect of spending money and always on their terms. Everyone of these towns think they have the answer to our needs How wrong they are, all with the same community attractions and museums all the same ol same ol . Councils need to get there ar-e into gear with more usefull amenities for the traveling public, Then they may see some of our financial input.
I live in Mooloolaba and the park is an asset to the community. It is ALWAYS filled to capacity and maintains that feel of a coastal village to the area. LEAVE IT WHERE IT IS BOFFINS! The NOOSA wine and music fest is in receivership and this type of activity will not work here either!!
here is the petition
https://www.change.org/p/sunshine-coast-council-save-mooloolaba-ocean-beach-caravan-park
Helpful and well-paced. Looking forward to your next post.