THE council-owned caravan park on the banks of the Yea River in
Victoria is to undergo a $1.3 million facelift.
Sustainable Park Solutions has been awarded a 21-year lease and will take over the
small park, a member of the Family Parks chain, this month.
Its name will be changed to Yea Riverside Caravan Park.
Sustainable Park Solutions manages caravan parks in regional Australia
including parks under the Southern Cross Parks brand in Horsham, Goulburn,
Dubbo, Narrabri and Goondiwindi.
Managing director Matt Williams told Caravanning News he was "very
excited" about the redevelopment opportunity.
"The Yea Riverside Caravan Park will offer a range of accommodation
options including new two-bedroom riverside villas and studio units from
the middle of this month," he said.
"Caravanners have not been forgotten either and we will shortly begin
renovating the main amenities block and meeting room.
"Guest facilities will include free wi-fi, children's playground and a
wood-fired pizza oven for those chilly winter nights.
"A new camp kitchen and second amenities block will be added in year two
and we are hoping to attract more special interest groups to Yea,
including cyclists using the nearby rail trail and caravanners."
Murrindindi Shire Council chief executive Margaret Abbey said work was
already underway by the new operators, with the council's approval.
"Under the new operators we will see the progressive installation over the
next two months of four new family cabins, four new studio units and a new
park office and manager’s dwelling," she said..
"Works will also be carried out to create a new access road, visitors'
carpark, improved landscaping and the installation of boom entry and exit
gates."
The $1.3 million would be invested in improved infrastructure and
facilities in the park during the first 10 years of the lease.
"Importantly, the new operators have undertaken to engage local trades
people, wherever possible, to carry out the works, which includes local
builders, electricians, plumbers and plant operators," Ms Abbey said.
"Works are also currently being undertaken by the council to renew the
bridge access into the caravan park as part of our annual capital works
renewal program."
Current permanent residency arrangements at the park would continue but no
new ones would be offered.
Existing permanent residency sites would return to annual or casual
booking sites by attrition over time.
"The six-month interval between the ending of the former lease and the
commencement of the new lease has been necessary to enable sufficient time
to complete the infrastructure planning and statutory works approvals for
the site," Ms Abbey explained.
This had included improved fire safety and emergency management,
electrical and plumbing upgrades and tree works.
"In addition, new laundry appliances and pumps were installed serving the
pool and septic systems. During this time the council has operated the
caravan park through the appointment of temporary caretakers," she said.
"A successful working bee was held in April involving council officers
working together with the permanent and annual residents.
"Accumulated materials and debris were removed, greatly improving resident
amenity, safety around dwellings and the general appearance of the park."
