August 2010

'Costing more than ever to stay at parks'

Council petitioned over soaring site fees on coast

HUNDREDS of caravanners are protesting over price increases at a heritage-listed Sunshine Coast caravan park in Queensland.

Now they are threatening to boycott the 476-site Cotton Tree Caravan Park at Maroochydore, which usually fills to overflowing with grey nomads seeking winter sunshine.

About 200 caravanners, many travelling on a tight budget, staged a meeting there to express discontent after hearing charges at council-operated caravan parks would increase next year.

According to reports, fees at the nearby Coolum Caravan Park, one of nine operated by Sunshine Coast Regional Council, are set to soar by a staggering 22 percent.

Now a 778-signature petition against the rises has been presented to the council by local councillor Debbie Blumel.

One Victorian caravanner told Caravanning News: "It's costing more than ever to stay at these caravan parks ... there seems no end to rising prices. Many of us will be forced to turn our backs on high-priced parks and use more free camping areas. It will be the only way we will be able to afford to travel."

But the council believes caravanners are getting value for money.

Cr Blumel said Cotton Tree would be a major beneficiary of standardised pricing across the region.

She pointed out that in the next financial year more than $1 million would be spent on improving facilities at the park, including replacing amenity blocks.