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Bundaberg's
old showground |
Rum
City gives thumbs up for new RV park
Photographs: Dennis Amor
Have your say
QUEENSLAND'S Rum City is to get another
RV park.
Bundaberg Regional Council has given the green light for the facility to
be built at the city's old showgrounds near the railway station.
Up to 50 more fully self-contained recreational vehicles will be accommodated
in the city which, which among other things, is famous for its rum
production.
Only members of the Caravan and Motorhome Club of Australia will be able
to use the park, prompting complaints from caravanners and other
travellers.
"This land belongs to the people and it
seems so unfair that only a select few will be able to overnight
there," Queensland grey nomad Fred Taylor commented.
It should be available for all travellers,
CMCA members or not."
The regional council's Cr Ross Sommerfeld said the
CMCA would be fully
responsible for the development following the conditional approval.
"The site will require minimal development with potable water,
electricity, refuse storage and a single dump point among the
requirements. All services including the internet are available," he said.
"A lawn locker, a concrete slab and shelter and some signage should
complete the infrastructure requirements.
"An onsite caretaker will be responsible for overseeing the park
activities and vehicle owners will need to comply with CMCA's
self-contained vehicle policy,"
The land is in a flood-prone area of the city but Cr Ross said the
itinerant nature of park occupants would mean that vehicles could leave
quickly in the event of an emergency.
"Given that there are flood-related issues, council has required the park
operators to provide a flood evacuation plan," he explained.
Entry to the old showgrounds was originally from Burrum Street but because
of traffic congestion in the area a gated access will be provided off
Pyefinch Boulevard.
Because the CMCA is a non-profit organisation, no infrastructure charges
will apply to its application.
Mayor Jack Dempsey said the council was delighted the park had come to
fruition and that an appropriate site had been located.
"This tourist park appears to be one of the few uses that is an ideal fit
with this site," he said.
"The proximity to the CBD and shopping centres will ensure park users can
easily access services and support many local businesses.
"The development of the park will be staged and during development no
foliage may be removed without the permission of council.
"Additionally, camping is short term for fully self-contained vehicles and
no tents are allowed."
The mayor said the region was achieving its RV Friendly aim and the
facilities currently available in Childers were a clear demonstration of
the need and the benefits of the parks.
"Over time, council has received many approaches regarding the
establishment of an RV-friendly park," Cr Dempsey said.
"I believe the park will develop as a tremendous community asset with a
huge number of CMCA members set to experience the Bundaberg region in
October at the group's national rally.
"I am sure that rally experience will see club members returning to the
region as part of their regular travels."
