The strength of a South Australian town’s resolve to attract more grey nomads is being put to the test … after a proposal to create a low cost recreational vehicle camping site at a residential park was shot down in flames.
Strong local opposition has forced Alexandrina Council to drop the plan to establish a low cost or free camping site at De Castro Square in Goolwa, which sits at the mouth of the Murray River on Lake Alexandrina, south of Adelaide.
“Given the enormous community backlash against the proposed location in De Castro Square, Goolwa, I move that council does not proceed any further with the proposal for an RV park at this site,” mayor Keith Parkes said at a recent council meeting. “The amount of phone calls and emails I’ve had and the distress it has caused some of the residents is outstanding … the response from this community is emotional and worried.”
After councillors agreed to reject the proposal, Mr Parkes said the hunt for a suitable location would go on … with the search focussed on the edge of town, rather than in the heart of the town.
Resident Kaylene Brook, whose property is on De Castro Square, told the Times on the Coast newspaper that residents were panicked by the proposal.
“Councillors received community backlash very quickly and it got quashed within a week,” she said. “The potential increase of heavy RV vehicles on the roads, especially past the schools, could be a significant risk for pedestrians and road users … there would also be loss of amenities to a park area and the potential de-valuing of surrounding homes.”
Councillors will now continue their search for a site to create an RV park, which they hope will attract more grey nomads to stay in the area.
* Have you visited Goolwa? Would you linger in the area if there was a free or low cost RV camp in or near town? Comment below.
People are always afraid of things they don’t understand. Forget the reference to heavy vehicles on the roads, and the danger to school children, its a clear case of NIMBY.
Goolwa is the only place in Aust where the River Murray meets the sea. There are so many things to see/do/visit in Goolwa – steam train journey 2X a week,Coorong Cruises, fishing, boating, lots of cafes and eating places, music on the wharf, historical walks, fantastic bike and walking trail, wineries and brewery, brilliant children’s playground, golf course etc
I am heading to SA this year I now will make sure I keep going when in this area, there are heaps of towns that welcome rev’s. stick it.
We have visited Goolwa many times but not in our RV as there never seems to be many friendly faces due to we are a better than them attitude among locals — So we travel on our boat and stay at the small wharves along the bay and still get looked down on !!
Before any body bad mouths this Council do your research. They have not given up are simply looking fir another location.
I understand the concerns expressed re placing the park “in the centre of town” …. on the edge of town is not a “problem” to me especially if it’s a nice little walk ( a kilometre). My experience over my 70 years is that people react to whatever you do/say/act … a pleasant nod/wink/g’day always gets a return nod/wink/g’day … those who don’t, don’t matter … there are many more who do.
Really, I can understand the concerns about a “free camp” in the “centre” of town …. I have no problem with one on the outskirts it’d give one a chance to have a pleasant “walk to the shops” and soak in the sights. Over my 70 years I have found that people react .. a pleasant wink/nod/g’day more often that not gets a positive response … I believe that those who don’t, don’t matter …. there is a myriad of folk who do.
Just on the outskirts of town is fine, have been to Goolwa before and would be happy to camp again
Yes I would/will say there. We are heading to SA later this year for a 5 month trip. Will spend money in those towns that have free/low cost parking areas.
I love Goolwa, visit regularly, always buy the delicious local honey, fish, etc & as a retired schoolteacher fully agree the centre of town is NOT the place for a free/cheap RV park but I’d happily in camp in one further away from sensitive areas but still within walking/cycling range of the lovely old town & surrounding attractions.
even at $10.00 per night, outside of town, it would be a good idea. Goolwa is well situated to the area and you could easily spend a week or more looking at local tourist spots. The town has made great changes to the wharf area, has a wonderful bakery, has lots to offer tourists, you can service your car/caravan locally. There’s big money for the town by being a little generous. Grey nomads have a few extra dollars, no kids and are usually tucked up in bed by 10pm and we generally look after the spaces we use.
The first motor-home built by Pop Kaesler is in the Goolwa Museum. If they can park this one there, tourists should be able to park near the town centre to shop and then could free-camp somewhere along the river to the North of the town centre or even on Hindmarsh Island perhap. There’s always a solution.
If grey nomads have spare cash and are freely spending in the communities that they visit, well there should be no problem for them to pay for a stay at the local already established caravan park and support local small business.
Clearly you have never lived off a pension. $30 dollars in a cp could be better spent on minimal groceries, like fruit and veg.
As a regular visotor by car daytrip from Adelaide I think it is selfish of a few wowsers to try and ban RV campers . They seem to object for unfounded reasons like mentionen in the main post
Childrens pedestrian crossings ? Like RV drivers are dangerous
Over use of ammenities ?
Most RVs have their own toilets
Property devaluation ?
Well now weve hit the real reason . Fear of property devaluation
An area for free or cheap overnight parking was a given thing in the 1970s but now heaven forbid a retired couple òn a pension free camping with the grand kids should enjoy the area and spending the little money they save on accomodation in local businesses
Eventually with no tourists those local businessez could just close ??
Dont be selfish and make RVs park miles oit of Goolwa they will take their money somewhere else