Caravan park to become day-trip
venue but will still offer 72-hour permits for camping
HAZELWOOD Pondage Caravan Park in Victoria is being turned into
a day trip facility.
But Latrobe City Council says that
from July it will offer a 72-hour permit zone for camping and recreational
vehicles.
A community petition against the move has attracted more than 650
signatures.
Chief executive Gary Van Driel blamed the closure of
Hazelwood Power Station, which meant the authority had been unable to
secure an extension of the existing lease arrangements for the caravan
park.
"Council's decision to transition the site to a day facility
followed a consultation process with a number of key stakeholders," he
explained.
"The Hazelwood Pondage Caravan Park has been a popular
place to stay for a long time and we understand that this decision will be
difficult for our permanent site holders.
"Many have a long
history of holidaying at the park and no doubt have many special memories
of their visits."
Mr Van Driel said the current site would be
rehabilitated to include a maintained grassed area, picnic tables, car
park, toilet block, jetty, barbecues and playground facilities.
"The area will provide for short-stay camping through a 72-hour permit
zone as well as recreational vehicle stopping," he said.
"Both of
these services will be at no charge to the community and ensure that the
site can continue to be utilised by day trippers, boat users and
occasional campers.
"The site will also continue to cater for
boating and fishing enthusiasts who wish to camp on a short-term."