August 2010

Traders resent free campers: claim

Not so friendly words thrown during CMCA scheme debate

THE controversy over whether to turn Warwick in Queensland into an RV-friendly town continues to rage.

Angry words were thrown when the subject was raised at a recent meeting of Southern Downs Regional Council, opponents telling councillors they were disgusted that caravanners and other travellers would be allowed to camp free in the town.

Owner of the four-star BIG4 Kahler Oasis Caravan Park Majella Kahler, who has owned the park since 1989 and is also the Caravan Parks Association of Queensland's Darling Downs divisional president, is against the move.

So too is the association's government liaison officer, Tony Benson.

They both addressed the council meeting, saying that RV-friendly status would be a bad thing for Warwick and claiming that damage was being done over the "very one-sided" issue.

The 'RV Friendly Town' scheme is an initiative of the CMCA which calls for towns to provide amenities and services for travellers, including overnight camping and dump point facilities, a drinking water supply, parking near the general shopping area and the erection of 'RV Friendly Town' signs.

Councillors were told that traders in the Western Downs town of Bollon allegedly resented travellers – dubbed "river rats" – who free-camped and spent no money in town.

Mr Benson pointed out that travellers at caravan parks paid to use services. "If they are not doing that they use community services and the community wears the cost," he said.

He believed that land provided should be subjected to the same legislation as caravan parks.

The Southern Downs Regional Council is expected to make a decision this month.

Meanwhile, the Caravan and Camping Industry Association of NSW believes some of the State's councils taking part in the RV-friendly scheme are breaking the law.

Chief executive officer Barry Baillee claims that most of the land they offer for overnighting under the scheme is not complying with legislation, making it an illegal operation.

He believes the councils are not conforming with the Competitive Neutrality Guidelines and are unfairly competing with legitimate caravan parks.