By Dennis Amor
Have
your say
CAIRNS Regional Council has decided to delay a savage hike in fees at
council-managed caravan parks and campgrounds following angry protests.
Caravanners and other travellers had threatened to boycott the area after
hearing that charges at one park near Port Douglas would soar from $25 a
night to $40 in one hit.
It would have meant a 60 percent increase in overnight fees at the
oceanside Wonga Beach caravan park, with weekly charges up 80 percent from
$140 to a staggering $252.
But local mayor Bob Manning has now revealed that the council will put the
increases "on hold" and will have another look at the new fees, which had
been scheduled to be introduced on July 1.
He said: "It was brought to council's attention that the proposed new
charges were not considered appropriate. As a result, council has sought
further information and, in the meantime, no changes will be made to the
fees charged at any of the council-managed caravan parks and campgrounds."
Councillors have asked for a further report into the financial operation
of caravan parks and campgrounds, to be tabled at this month's council
meeting.
Cr Manning said they needed to be fully informed of any implications
before determining the fee structure for these facilities.
A council report said it was in the business of providing caravanning and
camping facilities in a diverse range of locations.
"In this respect it shares the challenge of responding to market forces
and industry developments with the private sector," it said.
"In these competitive circumstances and tough economic climate, a more
deliberate and informed approach to the management, development and
activation of these assets is required. The current caravan park and
campground fees reflect this ideal.
"By being furnished with all the necessary background information,
including stakeholder engagement, council will be able to make an informed
decision around providing exceptional holiday options for caravan owners
and campers.
"As such it is recommended that council delays the introduction of the new
fees and charges for its directly managed caravan parks and campgrounds
until such time as further review work is undertaken and a detailed report
is presented for consideration at the July ordinary meeting."
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