$6.7 million Wentworth Caravan Park plan up for vote

TOURISM in Wentworth could get a major boost if councillors vote to endorse a $6.7 million redevelopment of Willow Bend Caravan Park.

A number of issues including ageing facilities, low occupancy rates and lack of promotion were highlighted in 2017 when Wentworth Shire Council bought the caravan park and took over operations.

But the council is thinking of the big picture for the holiday spot and, on Wednesday, councillors will decide whether to invest in its future by setting aside $1.1 million in the shire’s 2020-21 operational plan to enable stage 1 of the overhaul.

“Willow Bend Caravan Park is an important community asset to the town of Wentworth, however over the years the standard of the park’s facilities has declined and it is now in need of a major upgrade or replacement,” a council report read.

“In some circumstances the facilities are no longer compliant with modern standards.

“A review of the park has found that the site has no set plan or design resulting in an inefficient use of space.”

Stage 1 of the project would be completed over the next three years if councillors give their tick of approval, enabling the installation of six new on-site cabins, power upgrades, water and sewer works and realignment of internal roads.

Another two stages would follow stage 1 including the replacement of 12 existing cabins and installation of 18 new cabins, and new recreational facilities.

Boosting tourism and overnight visitor expenditure in regional New South Wales was outlined as a major opportunity in the council’s business plan, with caravan parks becoming more popular for inter-generational holidays.

“The caravan and camping industry continues to be one of the fastest-growing domestic tourism sectors in Australia,” the business plan said.

“NSW is Australia’s favourite state for caravanning and camping with 24 per cent of all caravan and camping visitors in Australia heading to NSW.

“Most importantly, the caravan and camping industry accounts for 31 per cent of holiday visitor nights to NSW regional and rural areas, making them a vitally important part of the state’s tourism infrastructure.”

Councillors will make a decision on whether to adopt the Willow Bend Caravan Park redevelopment and business plan at today’s meeting.