EOIs to open on Bundilla Beach RV park trial

Council has voted on its controversial RV park proposal in Fannie Bay after a survey found most people were against the move. Read the outcome.

The City of Darwin and Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis are proposing an RV park trial at Bundilla Beach in Fannie Bay. Pictures: Keri Megelus, Supplied

Darwin council has moved forward on a contentious RV park plan despite its own survey finding most respondents are against the move.

A City of Darwin spokeswoman said councillors on Tuesday endorsed an expression of interest process to seek an operator for the temporary development at Bundilla Beach, Fannie Bay.

“The endorsement of the EOI is subject to ministerial approval for a three-month exception for an RV park trial under the planning scheme,” she said.

An RV park at Bundilla Beach, Fannie Bay, is likely to go ahead if granted ministerial approval and an operator is found.

“If the exception is approved and we can appoint an operator for the RV park trial, the trial would be temporary in nature and only run for three months.”

It comes as Fannie Bay NIMBYs were expected to come out on top in their fight against the proposal.

The results of Darwin council’s survey – which was filled out by 524 people – revealed that a slight majority were against the accommodation proposal.

More than one third were in support while just 4 per cent were neither for or against the idea.

Darwin mayor Kon Vatskalis has said the park would run this dry season, with the successful private operator to cover the cost of minor site upgrades like temporary fencing and lighting.

Accommodating up to 20 RVs, residents would still be able to access the beach, boat ramp and Atkins Drive.

The move has come under fire by Fannie Bay MLA Brent Potter and a dedicated group of locals, who gathered almost 200 petition signatures against the trial.

Mr Potter had secured $3m of Territory government money to “activate” the area with a basketball half-court and four food truck sites, increased lighting and irrigation for grassed areas.

Fannie Bay MLA Brent Potter is against the RV park proposal at Bundilla Beach. Picture: Monique Van Der Heyden

“Key feedback in support of the proposal centred around the boost to the visitor economy and potential for economic growth,” a council survey report on the RV park trial states.

“Opposers raised concerns about restricted access for locals, physical aesthetics of park, consideration of alternate locations and environmental impact.

“There were various views on the benefit to local businesses, activation of Bundilla Beach area and impact to anti-social behaviour.”

About 60 per cent of NT News readers said they supported the trial.

Two NT government executives also made written submissions to council voicing some concerns.

The Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade’s CEO office director Keryl Cottier said the location could pose security risks to RV park guests, while the move could encourage illegal camping at other Darwin beaches.

Fannie Bay residents have rallied together against the proposed RV park trial on Bundilla Beach. Picture: Lyn Lowe

“Bundilla Beach is an underused community asset and activation of the area would be welcome,” she said.

“The site is well suited to activation for the community, through upgrades to footpaths … food/coffee van activations, improved patrols for rough sleepers and anti-social behaviour, and development of infrastructure which supports existing use of the site.”

Infrastructure Commissioner Louise McCormack also said the development would be prohibited due to the area’s zoning, which the council refuted.

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