The Western Australian town of Bunbury is hoping the construction of city’s first free waste dump point will attract more grey nomads. All of the city’s existing dump points can only be used by guests of resorts and caravan parks.
Bunbury City Council has just given the plan to build a new dump point opposite the Koombana Bay Kiosk the green light, with councillors convinced it will encourage more tourists to visit.
“This actually puts us on the map,” Cr Murray Cook told the council. “Bunbury is not on the map. I love being on the map. It doesn’t matter what it is.”
Although some councillors were worried about the location of the planned dump point, the West Australian newspaper reports that, because new toilets have recently been built at Koombana Bay, there will be minimal costs to add a dump point.
“The opportunity to provide improved facilities to attract and retain visitors at no capital outlay for the city is only feasible if the dump point can be installed in conjunction with the upgrade works to the Koombana Bay ablution block, ” senior building and structures officer Mark Robson said in his report to the council.
The West Australian reports that the dump point is expected to encourage tourists to stop, and then spend time and money nearby.
Tourism WA estimates 939,000 visitors stayed in caravan parks and campgrounds in WA last year.
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Most towns now have public toilets and it could not be that hard or too expensive to add a dump point.
At least then the illegal dumping would reduce.
It would be an added reason for people to visit a town.
They will come, IF there a 24/36/72/ h free stop over
Check out the Pilbarra area, there are bins, toilets, dump points and FREE Wi fi all over. Great facilities for travellers.
It would be even more encouraging if it were big-rig friendly.
Do you need rated shackles for your safety towing chains?
It took Busselton until this year to put in a dump point after much lobbying from the local caravan clubs but still no freebies. Hopefully Bunbury will allow a freebie or two. Not every traveller can afford to stay in parks every night.
Broome could follow Bunbury`s lead. Their is NO public dump point in Broome.
One caravan park owner is on the council,
With the large amount of money that is spent in Broome in the winter months by Greynomads, one would think the council would install a dump point.
Try taking a dog into Broome!! I was forced to stay in the PCYC paddock while my traveling companion had to take her motorhome to the nearest caravan park (yes, the Councillors park). Then after 7 days I had to leave. Not allowed back till next season. We would have stayed another week in Broome but I wasn’t allowed.
We did a lot of toursand spent a lot of money but had I been allowed to stay we would have spent a lot more.
I will not be returning to Broome !!
Take Cable Beach away from Broome and what have you got?
A:- A mob of Ned Kellys.
Needs to have layout suitable for larger motorhomes with fixed black and grey water tanks which would gravity drain to the dump point not just a mi imal area where one has to carry cassette(s) over to the Dump Point.
Put in the Dump Point, provide LONG parking bays in the vacinity of shops and the RVers will come.
Accessible caravan parking near shops and the tourist info centre needs to be provided
We stayed at Wilks park near Wagga and they have put in a dump point .
Would definitely be a bonus if more places did it
Yes a dump point certainly encourages us to stop. Whilst in town we possibly need fuel and food. An overnight stop would certainly be a huge advantage too.
The area adjacent to the Horse beach on Estuary Rd would be an ideal area for a overnight stay and dump piont facility ,It is currnetly an mimimualed used eye sore .Your Council will be supprised what spending is carried out in a RV friendly town by overnight visitors Regards Ric
To All councils.. Big Rigs with pump out toilets need to be able to drive within 1.5 meters of the dump point. There is no removable cassette which can be transported to the facility. A hose is attached to the side of the van and the black contents of the tank pumped out. Allow turning space to facilitate. DO NOT put solid barriers on the vehicle side of the dump point. It prevents hoses reaching from the vehicle to the receptacle. Water hoses 2 meters long to flush out the black hose is essential. All dump points are an attraction to visit the town. When we do we spend, and spend and spend. Just ask me an a million other travelers.
Dump points are as important as your iconic attractions. They show the Town appreciates travelling visitors.
It really is great to see that Bunbury is also a little more dog friendly lately. Has taken a long time Bunbury ! Now a dump point would help to seal the deal , please advertise the location to the grey nomads, and provide adequate parking space for r.vs. Now how bout some free camping areas ! There are a lot of underused ovals etc in Bunbury and surrounds. Then guys you can sit back and watch a lot more tourist dollars roll in.
YEEES , finally Bunbury Council has realized that caravaners require free dump points , now some serious thought is required as to the positioning of the dump point.I am not convinced as a Bunbury Resident & Caravaner that Koombana Bay Car parking area is the best place for a dump point.To my way of thinking this area is too congested to be able to get your caravan in and be able to maneuver around all the car parking.