Application lodged two years after caravan park opened in Knuckey Lagoon

An application has been lodged for a caravan park at Knuckey Lagoon, years after the business began operating.

An application has been made for a caravan park at Knuckey Lagoon. Picture: Supplied.

Submissions are open to the public for a caravan park application at Knuckey Lagoon, despite the business having operated there for two years.

A development application was lodged with the planning department for a caravan park at 125 Thorak Rd, a semirural area 16km from Darwin city.

The proposed plans reflect the existing 29 sites on a 8.6ha block, which offer shower and toilet facilities, communal tables, and connection to water and electricity.

An application has been made for a caravan park at Knuckey Lagoon. Picture: Supplied.

Zoning laws for the area ban caravan parks, but the application from MasterPlan argues the existing business has been “operating successfully without incident” for two years, helping to boost the local economy and meet housing needs.

“The proposed Caravan Park represents an opportunity to provide more affordable and versatile short-stay accommodation for locals and people visiting the NT,” the application said.

“Caravan travellers generate an increase in consumer spending and contribute to an increased skilled workforce. This will enhance the economy of the Darwin region, through job and business opportunity creation in both short and long terms.”

The campsite sits on a 8.6ha block off Thorak Rd. Picture: Supplied.

To date, owner Graham Wilson had been operating the caravan park through HipCamp, a website similar to Airbnb that allows people to rent out private land to campers.

HipCamp’s policy notes that it is a host’s responsibility to make sure they are complying with local regulations.

There is no suggestion that the caravan park required a permit when it opened.

With the application for official approval now lodged with the government, the public has the chance to have their say on whether the caravan park should be approved, with submissions closing October 20.

The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics confirmed there was no particular process to deal with retrospective development applications unless relevant submissions were received, or a decision to pursue the matter was made by the department head or minister when the final report was received.

“The Planning Act provides for the lodgement of an Exceptional Development Permit,” a department spokeswoman said.

“As part of this process, if submissions are received with respect to the proposal, a formal public hearing is held with submitters invited to the hearing to clarify or expand on their submissions.

“A Report to the Commissioner will be available online two days prior to the public hearing.

“The report will list the application details and submissions received from the public and service authorities during the exhibition period.”

Originally published as Application lodged two years after caravan park opened in Knuckey Lagoon