Mornington Peninsula camping: Vulcano Gelato, Extreme Watersport, The Bagelry Co
Devastated traders have blasted a decision to scrap Christmas camping along the Mornington Peninsula foreshore and now fear they won’t survive next year’s winter.
South East
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Devastated traders say the decision to ban camping along the Mornington Peninsula foreshore this Christmas will kill off many struggling businesses.
“It’ll be the final nail in the coffin for lots of us,” said Extreme Watersport owner Steve Dale.
“The campers guarantee us a good summer. If we don’t have a good summer this year, we won’t survive another winter.”
Council chief executive John Baker said the decision to postpone the start of the 2020/21 foreshore camping season to February was made after “careful consideration” and centred around concerns about people using shared toilet and shower blocks.
Mr Dale said while he understood the reason for the move he was disappointed the
council had not consulted traders.
“There was no conversation with traders. I understand why the decision was made, but there doesn’t seem to be any thought to how we’re supposed to survive,” he said.
Mr Dale said trade from campers was different to that generated by day trippers visiting his Capel Sound shop.
“I reckon every camper spends with us during the season, whether they buy a pair of thongs or sunglasses or hire a kayak or Stand Up Paddleboard.”
He said the roads into the region were already at capacity during summer.
“There’s a limit to how many day trippers we can cope with. And, really, who’s going to sit on the freeway for three hours to come to our beaches for a swim and an ice cream?”
Vulcano Gelato owner Maria Azevedo said opening the camp sites in February was a “waste of time”.
“It’s too late. People are back at work and school. There’s only one long weekend – Labour Day – before Easter,” she said.
The Rye business woman said many campers booked sites for the whole season, which usually started on Melbourne Cup long weekend and finished after Easter.
“They set up their sites and then come down on weekends for the season.
“It won’t be worthwhile them doing it in February.”
She said while the Mornington Peninsula community had kept businesses afloat during lockdown, a strong summer was critical.
“We use summer takings to pay the big bills and get us though winter,’ Ms Azevedo said.
Gavin Diener opened The Bagelry Co directly opposite the Rosebud campgrounds about two months ago.
“It’s been tough. I would have held off opening when we did but we had to pay the rent,” Mr Diener said.
“I found that when the 25km travel limit came in our trade dropped off and I’ve spoken to others who have said their trade halved when people could go further.
“Anyone who says they won’t be impacted by the campers not being here this summer is lying.”
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