Another country town has launched a trial of a free 48- hour parking area for self-contained RVs in a bid to attract more grey nomads and other travellers.
There will initially be 10 spots available at the new area at Gilgandra in the NSW Great Western Plains region. In a statement, the Gilgandra Shire Council said the intent was to leverage increased regional travel.
“The trial aims to boost local economic impact and enhance the Gilgandra Region to travellers as a great place to visit, explore and stay,” it said.
The new area is located in the Gilgandra Cultural Precinct between the Gilgandra Museum and the Coo-ee Heritage Centre, and the trial will last 24 months. Its success will be measured against several key objectives:
It is hoped that the free camp will boost Gilgandra’s profile PIC: Gilgandra Shire Council
“With regular data collection, reviews, and consultation with the community, businesses, travellers and Council’s Economic Development Committee, the trial will assess the benefits and impacts on region, including economic, visitation, operational, private operators and growth,” the council said. “Regular review of the trial will also allow council to revise and make changes where needed to ensure the above objectives are being met throughout the activation period.”
If the trial is positively embraced by the community, businesses and travellers, the plan is to make the overnight parking a more permanent arrangement, or further expand it.
Alternatively, if the trial doesn’t meet the council’s stated objectives, it will be reviewed, reduced or concluded. There are no facilities at the new area, and the council stresses it is intended to have minimal impact on local caravan park providers.
It is keen to also promote all the other camping and caravanning sites in the region. To be considered fully self-contained, vehicles must be fitted with properly plumbed-in, on-board facilities such as toilets and sinks. While there are no fees to park bookings are essential via the Gilgandra Region website.
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Yes I would..!
Always travel through this town and as we have an older style caravan without toilet of shower plumbed in we will not be stopping
Great idea, but it probably will impact local van parks.
Yes, I would
It’ll be very popular this coming Winter as most Victorians use the Newell Hwy to travel to Queensland on their annual migration.
Unfortunately, Gil has the same problem as many largish towns – the general malaise of slow and declining purchases in local shops in favour of larger supermarkets in nearby Cities is becoming a “Death by a thousand cuts”. The township needs to revitalize and repopulate closed storefronts, to attract passing trade.
We stay in the town we shop in the town
We would stay in the town and also do our shopping.
Yes we would consider using it but don’t agree that to be self contained everything has to be “plumbed in”. A sink, good portapooti and lidded grey water tank should be quite sufficient to leave no residue.
I tend to agree with that..!
Agree
Hope to stay there in July
I note a “Permit is required” From where? And if from Council Officers” what if you arrive Saturday arvo or on Sunday?”
I’ve just arrived & cannot book a spot as it is 4:30 p.m. & closes at 4 p.m. There are 5 free spots available that I cannot use as I didn’t arrive early enough to get the permit. So I will keep driving to Dubbo & give them my business. Most disappointing as I wanted to check out the museum. There will be those that say planning is the key. Not always dies that work in my experience. See you later Gil.
For somewhere different try down the road at Eumungerie sports field , low cost with amenities, walk to the pub for dinner.
Interesting concept…how does one get a permit on a Saty arvo or sunday??? Eumungerie is a great alternative having stayed there. We intend to overnight in Gilgandra in May on our way north. Look forward to see how this trial goes.
The lack of facilities plus the fact you need a permit (!) is a significant turn-off for a site that is supposedly a free camp. There are other camping places in town that are more attractive. Smart travellers will find a way around the bureaucracy.
So… Where is it
Most definately
Looked into this new camp, pleasant but decided to camp behind “The Royal Hotel” in the heart of Gilgandra. Everything at your fingertips.
Showers and toilet a bonus…
Stayed 3 days..