WHILE the prospect of the Victorian Government introducing free camping at sites under its control over summer has caused concern for caravan park operators, Noel Sheard of Prom Central Caravan Park in Foster is unsure what impact the initiative would have on the business but sees it as a potential serious threat.
“We’re on the fringe of where all this stuff is because we’re close to the (Wilsons Promontory) National Park,” he said.
While the business usually takes the overflow of those unable to secure camping spots within the park during peak times, its proximity to the Great Southern Rail Trail means it also attracts riders.
While not yet able to quantify what impact it would have if the State Government proceeds with its free camping proposal, Noel considers the ramifications could be significant.
“I can understand there would be a lot of people that would be worried about this, and I have concerns myself,” he said.
He is particularly worried about the possibility of losing business during non-peak times.
With Tidal River Campground offering 484 camping and caravan sites that can be booked through Parks Victoria, the appeal of free camping there would likely win over some who might otherwise stay in a privately operated caravan park.
With Prom Central Caravan Park generally attracting more mature travellers rather than families with young children, that could represent a loss of business when the school holiday period has ended but summer weather continues.
Noel stressed that a reduction in income would be keenly felt.
“This business makes little money to start with because we’re usually the last caravan park to fill up,” he said.
“We’re half an hour away from Wilsons Prom and about an hour away from the Tarra Valley, and that’s why we’re Prom Central; you can access all these places from us.”
Operator of the Orbost Caravan Park and the Marlo Ocean Views Caravan Park, Les Heyne lashed out on Mim Hook’s ABC Gippsland program recently.
“It’s going to affect us badly,” he said, expressing the view the impact will be felt most acutely in terms of bookings for unpowered sites.
He suggested caravan park operators will have to consider installing more cabins and turning their backs on tent and caravan campers, unable to compete with the proliferation of free camping for those markets.
With the State Government justifying its consideration of free camping on the grounds of cost of living pressures on families, Les considers it would be better for it to focus on ways of reducing day-to-day living expenses.
While not opposed to measures to save people money on camping, he feels a government-run voucher system is fairer, enabling private business operators to benefit.
