KMF wrote:

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Imagine my surprise when I find what I thought was a private email, responding to an individuals concerns, posted on this very public forum. I am very passionate about this topic not because I don't welcome travellers to our region, exactly the opposite. We have a wonderful region with tourism businesses that have won numerous tourism awards. My interest stems from the fact that many of our businesses are closing and as a region with small townships this really hurts our economy and future prospects for our children. As a person who has closed one of these businesses I can sympathise with the Caravan Parks that face a future of uncertainty. The comments I made in my private letter were my own as a resident and concerned business person. We do have a park available in Innisfail for 24 hour stop-over that at this stage I do not have a problem with as long as it is used as intended for 24 hours. Thank you to those of you who have supported my comments. I love my community, I have lived here all my life. I am only new to this job and have just learned another very big lesson.

Kylie Farinelli

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 Kylie - KFT - thank you for your post - it was encouraging to see that you read all the previous posts on this topic, and can see our side of the story as well -  we love your region, and are grateful for a stopover spot - and 24 hours is enough to give us a rest from the road.

We have seen many, many small towns with businesses closing down - and it is very sad to see - but if you take a look at a place like Ravenshoe which has a 96 hour free camp, you will see that the free campers patronise all the businesses in town, helping to keep it afloat - it is also a very lovely region to be in.

 

Interested to read the reply from the lady at the Cassowary Council area .

She mentioned that the Blackall / Tambo council were cutting out cheap camping options .

We were recently in both towns and the local businesses were very happy to have GNs staying there at cheap campsites .

Tambo has a free site 2kms out of town at Stubby Bend , and Blackall has a park in town that is available for $5 per / night

for a maximum of 3 nights .

Both damn good camps and well patronised according to the locals .

 

We do stay in CPs at times , but will not stay in one if anyone tries to force us to do it .

 

-- Edited by sandsmere on Monday 22nd of October 2012 04:29:30 PM

Hi Cr. Farinelli,

It seems that in today's political environment that the line between public and private is becoming somewhat blurred, even in local government. That said, I'm surprised and concerned that the recipient of your email didn't have the courtesy to seek your permission to publish it.

That said however, I believe that you put your case very well and in an factual unbiased manner and that its publication here has provided facts and data that are very useful in this ongoing debate.

Jim

PS: Welcome to the forum, please feel free to continue to contribute.

Every time someone googles the Councillor's name this thread comes up, when mentioning someone's name on a public forum it is very viewable.