Torquay business owners launch plan to save caravan park

Residents and businesses that stand to lose up to a quarter of their income without the Torquay Caravan Park have launched a united campaign to convince the Fraser Coast council to save the iconic site.

Banana Bender and Valentino’s Emporium owner Troy Ignatenko said it was “very unfair” the Fraser Coast Council got to decide the fate of the Torquay caravan park, given the amount of rent businesses had to pay for their shopfronts.

Torquay business owners and residents came together on Monday night to launch their plan to save the Torquay Caravan Park.

The caravan park has been at the centre of public debate since it was revealed the Pialba Caravan Park would get a $10.5 million upgrade, while the fate of the Torquay park remained in limbo, with the Fraser Coast Regional Council tossing up whether to keep the caravan park, use the site for more basic facilities or a premium playground and recreational area.

A group of about 35 people, including members of the Torquay Progress Association, met at the Blazing Saddles bar room behind the Torquay Hotel on Tuesday, with many airing their grievances with recent decisions of the council.

The Torquay Caravan Park

The caravan park is regarded highly among business owners for the visitors and revenue it brings in, especially during the “grey nomad” season in winter.

Business owners agreed Torquay Caravan Park should be awarded the money for an upgrade, and did not understand why it was being singled out for closure, with both Pialba and Scarness seemingly safe.

Banana Bender and Valentino’s Emporium owner Troy Ignatenko said it was “very unfair” the council got to decide the fate of the park, given the amount of rent businesses had to pay for their shopfronts.

Troy Ignatenko, owner of Banana Bender and Valentino's Emporium, said it was “very unfair” that the council could deliberate on the caravan park's future.

“It would have a huge impact on our trade,” he told the meeting.

“I would say 25 per cent of our turnover comes from people staying in the caravan parks.”

He went on to say he was “gobsmacked” by reports the park could be scrapped.

“As a business owner, it’s like fighting a boxing match with one hand behind your back.

“Scarness gets a lovely refurb, Pialba is going to be renovated, and then they say Torquay could become greenspace.

“I just don’t think that’s fair.”

Mr Ignatenko said he did not buy into the “conspiracy theory” mentioned at the meeting that getting rid of the park was part of a grand plan to offer more green space to future Sheraton Hotel visitors.

Fraser Coast councillor Denis Chapman was the only councillor in attendance last night.

“When polarising subjects like this come up, you get a lot of people who want to have their two bobs worth,” he said.

“The evidence (towards this being a play for Sheraton green space) says no.”

Councillor Denis Chapman attended the meeting to hear the views of the community.

Hervey Bay LNP MP David Lee also attended the meeting.

Hervey Bay LNP MP David Lee

“I’m yet to hear a person that wants to get rid of the caravan park,” he said.

“The parks are part of that diverse (tourism) package that we’re offering.

“It’s integral to the success of our local economy.”

The meeting resolved to set up a fighting fund for the campaign to save the park, with businesses in the association contributing funds to help with petitions, banners, and social media campaigns.