Why community consultation on Torquay Caravan Park is pointless
Fraser Coast council has spent $50,000 on community consultation, but deciding the future of Torquay Caravan Park should be a no-brainer at this point, writes Carlie Walker.
In a fundamental way, I suppose that consultation with the community is never pointless.
But if there ever was an exercise that I feel is redundant, it’s the current community consultation taking place regarding Torquay Caravan Park.
The Chronicle has run many polls, both in articles and on social media, asking what people want in that space.
The answer comes back resoundingly every time – keep the caravan park. Upgrade it.
The community wants to keep this asset.
In a time where ratepayers are concerned about every penny spent, they actually want money spent on this park.
The alternatives being offered are “open space” – essentially nothing – or another playground. In nearby Scarness there is a huge playground. And in Pialba the All Abilities Playground. I’ve yet to see either one full, but apparently the community is crying out for another park. Who knew?
We’ve now spent $50,000 on concept plans on the off chance that the vast majority of our community suddenly changes its mind and decides it doesn’t want this caravan park.
I think highly of each of our councillors but I will say this: some of them are listening to the community on this issue and some seem to be hoping this consultation period will induce a sudden change of heart.
I took the survey.
I found many of the questions to be repetitive and confusing.
I saw comments from people saying they had given up on completing it because it was confusing.
When you’ve decided to go ahead with consultation, no part of it should be frustrating or confusing.
I also think some of our councillors are fundamentally misunderstanding why this park has value to this community.
It’s not just because it’s a financial asset for the council.
The caravan parks at Pialba, Scarness and Torquay are part of the character of Hervey Bay.
The parks offer the chance for the average family to get away at Christmas or during the school holidays and have a beachside holiday without having to spend a fortune.
Children and parents have been making memories at these parks for generations.
The parks also provide considerable benefits to nearby businesses.
We live in a democracy. It goes without saying that everyone should have a say.
But sometimes the wishes of the community couldn’t be clearer.
And in the case of Torquay Caravan Park, it’s a no-brainer.
