Turtle Sands Caravan Park at Mon Repos lodges application for revamp

A local caravan park could have new glamping tents and a resort-style pool if a development application is approved by council. SEE THE PLANS.

On of the region’s popular caravan parks could undergo a huge revamp if a development application gets the go ahead from council.

A material change of use application for a revamp of the Turtle Sands Caravan Park at Mon Repos is waiting for council approval after plans were lodged earlier this month.

The park began operating in 1974 and has been owned and operated by the Baker family for the past 25 years.

Designs for the revamp show plans to increase site numbers by 21 to 127 with an accommodation mix that reflects contemporary market expectations.

On-site facilities will also be upgraded and there will continue to be a combined manager’s residence/kiosk/office.

As well as increase the amount of sites and on-site facilities, there are also plans for a new resort-style pool for the park.

There are also plans to upgrade the existing beachfront cottage to provide an “iconic beachfront bungalow” for tourists.

The proposal document also details plans for nine new glamping tents and 20 studios, as well as an additional 11 cabins.

“The applicant’s intention is to ensure the refurbishment and operation of the park is undertaken in a manner that protects the turtle rookery and the natural environment while guaranteeing the future viability of the park,” the application says.

The application to revamp the park hasn’t come without it hurdles.

It was originally lodged with council in July 2019 but council referred the planning application to the state government because the holiday park was in a wetland protection area, and the upgrades required high impact earthworks.

This was challenged and the matter eventually ended up in the planning and environment court.

“Although the layout of the redevelopment and the self imposed environmental and turtle related conditions put forward by the Baker’s will remain the same (therefore not affecting the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment’s approval), the changes proposed aim to ensure the redevelopment does not divert water to or from the wetland,” the application says.