THE small town of Werris Creek near Tamworth in NSW has moved a step
closer to having another freedom camping area for grey nomads and other travellers.
The proposed Australian Rail Track Corporation-owned site on the western
side of Single Street, south of Poole Street, was recently given the thumbs up by
the community's 355 Committee.
If given the owner's consent and approved by the Liverpool Plains Shire
Council the freedom camp will undergo a 12-month trial.
Mayor Andrew Hope said another freedom camp was planned for Willow Tree to
complement existing facilities at Wallabadah, Currabubula and Premer.
"These developments are an integral part of the council's long-term plans
to attract larger numbers of tourists who are travelling in caravans and
mobile homes," he explained.
The idea was to encourage them to spend time exploring the shire which
stretched from the Great Dividing Range, down the slopes and across the
plains. It embraced some of the most picturesque and productive rural areas
of NSW.
"The proposal for Werris Creek Freedom Camping Area will assist travellers
who'd like to take a day looking around NSW's first railway town and its
Rail Journeys Museum and Australian Railway Monument," he said.
Councillor Hope said the council was determined to provide travellers with
the opportunity to spend a couple of days enjoying what the shire had to
offer "without it costing an arm and a leg".
"We've recently made a significant investment at the Wallabadah Camping
Ground, providing hot showers," he said.
"We have a sewage dump point in Quirindi for the convenience of travellers."
Councillor Hope said it was intended to make travellers welcome, to feel
at home and to make it as easy as possible to check out the local
attractions.
These included the Kamilaroi a Highway and People display at the Visitor
Information Centre at Willow Tree, the spectacular views from
Who-A-Thought-It Lookout at Quirindi as well as the Heritage Village, the
recreation area at Quipolly Dam and the drive across the bountiful plains
through Caroona, Spring Ridge and Premer.
"Already, word-of-mouth recommendations from travellers who have noted our
improvements to others they meet on the road have seen visitor numbers
increase," he said.
"We won’t be resting on our laurels and will continue taking steps to
promote what we have to offer."