August 2010

Plaque marks another phase in $900,000 upgrade

Minister promises more Crown land parks for state

The welcoming new energy-saving reception building

THE number of caravan parks in New South Wales is set to increase, according to a government minister.

Lands Minister Tony Kelly made the promise during a visit to the three-and-a-half star, 109-site Clarkes Beach Holiday Park in Byron Bay where he opened the latest phase of a $900,000 upgrade.

The Minister said new parks would be located on Crown land under a management plan for the Byron, Ballina and Richmond Valley coastlines.

“The government is committed to ensuring Crown parks and reserves are available for community use, and that funds are available for ongoing management, maintenance and upgrading," he said.

After unveiling a plaque, Mr Kelly toured the park's new reception building and inspected improvements which included two new cabins, site upgrades, revegetation and a beach deck.

"Clarkes Beach Holiday Park is set in an iconic beachfront location and is one of many Crown reserves situated at exceptional waterfront locations along the north coast of NSW," Mr Kelly said.

"A new reception/office building has been built incorporating a range of environmental and energy-saving features including solar panels on the roof which supply all the building's normal energy requirements.

"Other recent work includes two new cabins, a BBQ/camp kitchen, storage and maintenance sheds, roads, landscaping and work to maintain and look after vegetation and sand dunes."

He said work would soon start on further new amenities as well as the refurbishment of existing amenities and an upgrade of the beach guest lounge and deck.

"The total cost of the work will be around $900,000, with $465,000 provided by a loan from the Public Reserves Management Fund.

"The plan and vision for the park is to develop and maintain a sustainable model and business plan while still being able to be innovative and visionary. This work will help it take a significant step towards achieving that vision."

Caravan and Camping Industry Association of NSW chief executive officer Barry Baillie said he was pleased to see the improvement to the park in conjunction with the association's Gumnut Awards program.

He announced that Clarkes Beach Holiday Park was now a Silver Gumnut recipient.

Sites 29 and 30 before improvement work	The same sites after work was completed