Townsville City Council’s $10-$15 camping fee riles up travellers
One adventurous Townsville retiree considers introducing a small charge for use of what are now free camping sites a good thing but faces stern opposition from others.
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One adventurous Townsville retiree considers introducing a small charge for using what are now free camping sites a good thing but faces stern opposition from others.
Al Toombs, 75, built Good Times – a boat which doubles as a caravan – and he plans on travelling south to the Sandy Straits and stopping where he can to wet a line.
He believed Townsville City Council’s proposal of charging campers a fee to stay at six of the council-run campgrounds north of the city was a good thing but believed the proposed $10-$15 charge was too high.
“I think it’s a bit much because you can stay at a caravan site with better facilities for $20-$25 (a night),” he said.
“Some places charge $5. I think that’s much better.”
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Mr Toombs has been travelling since he retired and has stopped at a range of free campsites and other private sites.
He said free sites did attract travellers to the city.
“I think the free parking is good for travelling people because they do spend money,” Mr Toombs said.
“I think the longer the travellers stay here the more money they will spend.”
The new council RV strategy proposes on introducing a fee to cover the running costs and upkeep of facilities such as toilets, rubbish bins and potable water.
The strategy outlined continuing to operate the Saunders Beach, Bluewater Park, Toomulla Park, Vincent ‘Bushy’ Parker Park, Balgal Beach and Justin St Park sites free of charge was “not a sustainable outcome for council”.
It was recommended the council introduce a fee, collected through an online booking system.
Mark Humphreys, who has been travelling around Townsville for more than nine years, said he was looking to head elsewhere if the council introduced the charge.
“I don’t use the internet, so I won’t be able to book (a site),” Mr Humphreys said.
“I think there will be a fraction of the people staying there. People enjoy coming and going without having to book.
“There seems like there is an element of the council who don’t like camping.”
Other campers said some of the facilities, particularly near the Bluewater Park site, were used by locals and should be covered by rates.
The council argued introducing a fee would not have a significant impact on occupancy rates.
“While a small proportion of travellers prefer to only stay in free sites, the majority of travellers are willing to pay a small fee to contribute to the upkeep of facilities … which are provided at all council campgrounds,” the strategy says.
“A fee would also assist to encourage travellers to use the online booking system, making enforcement of overcrowding and overstaying easier.”
People can have their say on the strategy at haveyoursay.townsville.qld.gov.au/recreational-vehicle-rv-strategy. Consultation will take place until March 9.
Originally published as Townsville City Council’s $10-$15 camping fee riles up travellers