QUEENSLAND'S remote areas would be blessed with more caravan parks and camping grounds, if the authors of a new report had their way.
Grey nomads were highlighted as the most significant contributor to the state's North West tourism market in the recently-launched Outback, Gulf and Western Downs Tourism Opportunity Plan.
"Camping and caravanning as part of the touring market are key experiences for the region," the 38-page plan from Tourism Queensland said.
The plan's purpose is to provide direction for sustainable tourism development over the next five years.
It identifies and suggests new and upgraded tourism products to meet future visitor expectations and demands.
The plan also earmarks the need for new investment in infrastructure to support the ongoing development of tourism and provides relevant research-based information on tourism supply and demand.
Camping and caravanning facilities needed to be more effectively managed to maximise economic and commercial returns, minimise environmental issues and increase visitor satisfaction, it said.
Developing an integrated camping and caravan park strategy would identify all free camping grounds across the region and help formulate a plan to upgrade these sites where necessary and manage them in coordination with established commercial caravan parks.
"This will provide a suite of camping and caravan experiences across the region," the plan said.
"This strategy will complement and coordinate with the Outback Mates' program aimed at creating passionate ambassadors for the region, in particular targeting the touring market.
"These ambassadors will demonstrate true outback character and spirit by welcoming and assisting visitors to make the most of their trip to the region."
The report makes mention of the Western Downs' Tara caravan park which has limited sites for visitors, "with local residents as the main occupancy".
"Private investment in the development of an additional caravan park in Tara targeted at visitors to the town is required. The Tara Lagoon Parklands Caravan Site requires the sealing and supply of power to the area," it said.
The plan suggests the Departments of Main Roads and Environment and Resource Management join local councils in the Far West to prepare a business case and feasibility study for remote area camping and accommodation sites in emerging areas.
"This should be linked to an outback-wide camping and caravan review and complement existing plans of management for national parks (e.g. Diamantina Lakes National Park)," it said.
With the Etheridge Shire Council reclaiming some of the old town reserves around Gilberton, Durram, Forsayth and Gilbert River, the report believed there was now potential for private investment in accommodation such as caravan parks and this should be investigated.
Cheers
John
Vic said
10:36 PM Dec 31, 2011
About time they woke up John, that is good news, all the other states should follow suit
Gerty Dancer said
10:37 AM Jan 1, 2012
Brilliant! But we want it now! It may take a loooong time between the talk and the action.....
aussietraveller said
03:09 PM Jan 1, 2012
Sounds like a great idea but what is going to happen to the report will it sit on a desk or will it be acted on and if so how soon. Its time each state developed and acted on this type of report as many towns are suffering financial hardship and this type of approach (making tourists welcome) and ensuring there are sites available would encourage us all to spend more in these towns.
milo said
07:23 PM Jan 1, 2012
why do we have to have states? why cant it be all one big state, run like they do in the Uk? would be nice for more places to go to and stay at.. but with this current goverment i wont hold my breath.
Gday...
The following article is in the current Caravanning News - http://caravanningnews.com/
Report highlights tourism opportunities
Plan aims to improve outback caravanning
Grey nomads key contributors
QUEENSLAND'S remote areas would be blessed with more caravan parks and camping grounds, if the authors of a new report had their way.
Grey nomads were highlighted as the most significant contributor to the state's North West tourism market in the recently-launched Outback, Gulf and Western Downs Tourism Opportunity Plan.
"Camping and caravanning as part of the touring market are key experiences for the region," the 38-page plan from Tourism Queensland said.
The plan's purpose is to provide direction for sustainable tourism development over the next five years.
It identifies and suggests new and upgraded tourism products to meet future visitor expectations and demands.
The plan also earmarks the need for new investment in infrastructure to support the ongoing development of tourism and provides relevant research-based information on tourism supply and demand.
Camping and caravanning facilities needed to be more effectively managed to maximise economic and commercial returns, minimise environmental issues and increase visitor satisfaction, it said.
Developing an integrated camping and caravan park strategy would identify all free camping grounds across the region and help formulate a plan to upgrade these sites where necessary and manage them in coordination with established commercial caravan parks.
"This will provide a suite of camping and caravan experiences across the region," the plan said.
"This strategy will complement and coordinate with the Outback Mates' program aimed at creating passionate ambassadors for the region, in particular targeting the touring market.
"These ambassadors will demonstrate true outback character and spirit by welcoming and assisting visitors to make the most of their trip to the region."
The report makes mention of the Western Downs' Tara caravan park which has limited sites for visitors, "with local residents as the main occupancy".
"Private investment in the development of an additional caravan park in Tara targeted at visitors to the town is required. The Tara Lagoon Parklands Caravan Site requires the sealing and supply of power to the area," it said.
The plan suggests the Departments of Main Roads and Environment and Resource Management join local councils in the Far West to prepare a business case and feasibility study for remote area camping and accommodation sites in emerging areas.
"This should be linked to an outback-wide camping and caravan review and complement existing plans of management for national parks (e.g. Diamantina Lakes National Park)," it said.
With the Etheridge Shire Council reclaiming some of the old town reserves around Gilberton, Durram, Forsayth and Gilbert River, the report believed there was now potential for private investment in accommodation such as caravan parks and this should be investigated.
Cheers
John
About time they woke up John, that is good news, all the other states should follow suit
Sounds like a great idea but what is going to happen to the report will it sit on a desk or will it be acted on and if so how soon. Its time each state developed and acted on this type of report as many towns are suffering financial hardship and this type of approach (making tourists welcome) and ensuring there are sites available would encourage us all to spend more in these towns.
would be nice for more places to go to and stay at.. but with this current goverment i wont hold my breath.