BUSINESSES in a small Queensland town have welcomed plans to set
up an overnight camping area for caravanners and other travellers.
Noosa Shire Council has agreed to trial the caretaker-controlled, maximum
four-night RV Stop and dump point near the heart of Cooroy.
It hopes the facility will encourage the growing RV market to stop awhile
in the northern Sunshine Coast hinterland country town.
And local shops couldn't be happier.
"This is going to be fantastic for us," Sunshine Mitre 10 hardware store
manager Blake Murray told Caravanning News.
"We do get a few RVs come through and buy stuff for their caravans but
this will provide a big boost for our community."
Kirstie Darben from Richies Bakery also thought the facility would be a good thing.
"It will bring in lots of people who will pour money into our little
town," she said.
And Cooroy Super IGA owner Peter Zipf commented: "It's got to be of
benefit if we can get more people into town."
The council will trial the RV stop in Mary River Road near the heart of
Cooroy for a year.
It will accommodate up to 40 recreational vehicles and, according to local
councillor Sandy Bolton, provide an opportunity to boost the local
economy.
"This stop will enable Cooroy to achieve 'RV Friendly Town' status and put
not just Cooroy, but the whole of country Noosa with its unique rural
villages and attractions, on the RV travellers' map," she said.
"With easy access from the Bruce Highway, Cooroy is well positioned as a
getaway gateway to a range of accommodation options including RV and
camping sites at locations on the 'country run' including Pomona, Cooran,
Kin Kin, Boreen Point and Lake Macdonald.
"These provide perfect bases from which to explore many attractions
including the Majestic Theatre and Botanic Gardens, to walk the Noosa
Trail Network or sail on the lakes, and attend one of the shire's many
events."
The local Chamber of Commerce, community groups and residents are said to
be backing the plan.
The council has assured the local Combined Coastal Car Club and Cooroy
Horse & Pony Club that their needs for use of the site will be given
priority.
It said the area in front of club house and the first access driveway will
only used on an "as needs basis" after consultation with the car club.
“Industry groups have advised that there is a real need for this sort of
RV stop close to town, and we’ll be monitoring to see whether this trial
site addresses that need,” Cr Bolton said.
Council last year resolved to amend the town plan to better cater for
"grey nomad" tourists.
The trial RV stop will provide for 'leave no trace' travellers to enjoy
short-term stays.
By
Dennis Amor
