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ESPERANCE in WA has agreed to become a RV-friendly town ... but it will
not provide free or budget-priced short-term overnight parking for
caravans and other RVs.
Shire councillors decided there was already low-cost camping available in
National Parks and Shire Reserves within a 120km radius of the town.
The RV-friendly proposal was put forward by Robert Hicks, chairman of the
Goldfields-Esperance Tourism Alliance and chief executive of the
Goldfields Esperance Development Commission.
His suggestion that a broader regional approach was necessary to capture
this particular tourist market was not endorsed.
Local caravan parks have welcomed the decision, claiming they would suffer
a loss of patronage had the overnight component been approved.
A report to the council said that while tourism research had indicated
that the value of retirees in recreational vehicles was about $8.25
billion, WA's share was estimated at 10 percent ... "relatively small
compared with other states".
"Whilst it is not known how many RV operators leave town because they
cannot find 'affordable’ campsites, there is certainly an increasing
number taking advantage of the cheaper camping options afforded by the
coastal camp grounds in both the National Parks and on council reserves,"
it said.
"If the commercial caravan park operators cannot offer services to
encourage patronage by RV operators, then RV operators will continue to
seek alternative locations to meet their expectations."
The report said the region already offered a variety of camping options
for visitors.
"The only criteria that the Esperance town site cannot meet to be eligible
for the status of a RV Friendly Town is the provision of short-term
parking within reasonable distance to the CBD," it continued.
"It is assumed this means free or low cost parking (camping).
"With coastal reserves providing low-cost camping options it could be
argued that the Esperance business community would not miss out on revenue
from the sale of goods and services, therefore the provision of free
camping close to the CBD may not translate to increased expenditure in
Esperance.
"Council should consider if the status of being a RV Friendly Town will
have any real impact on tourism to Esperance and if supporting the RV
Friendly Regional Concept will have any negative or positive consequences
for the region."
