The future of the hugely popular Washpool Camping Reserve near Warwick in Queensland assured … for now.
The Southern Downs Regional Council, which took over the running of the reserve at Leslie Dam in the middle of last year, has said it will continue to operate it throughout 2016.However, the council says it will also be looking closely at the long-term future of the site.
“Council’s intention is to complete a review of operations in the last quarter of this financial year to determine the viability of the reserve,” said Manager of Corporate Services, Peter Gribbin.
A decision on whether the council will continue operating Washpool Camping Reserve will be made after the review is completed.
The council’s financial statement at the end of December showed the reserve, about 15 kilometres out of Warwick, had a $2192 surplus in operating costs.
Mr Gribbin told the Warwick Daily News that the site was currently maintained by a caretaker who worked approximately 25 hours a week.
“The caretaker is not required to maintain a permanent presence, as the reserve is a camping facility, not a caravan park,” he said. “There is a self-registration system operating, whereby campers lodge completed registration envelopes in a secure site for collection by the caretaker.”
The reserve, which can accommodate both large and small rigs, is owned by the State Government and leased by the council. It has an amenities block with hot showers, barbecues and running water.
Leslie Dam itself is popular with fishermen and other water pursuit enthusiasts.
