RV-friendly plan unveiled
Three-month trials of short stay, low- or no-cost camping for recreational vehicle travellers have been suggested in a draft RV-friendly strategy approved by the City of Greater Geraldton council.
The draft is to be advertised for public comment over 42 days.
The trials would be at the Pages Beach car park for self-sufficient RV travellers and at the Foreshore car park behind the Sail Inn snack bar for campervans and small motorhomes.
The short stays would be up to a maximum of 72 hours, although rangers could permit longer stays at both locations subject to the behaviour of RV travellers.
The 15 recommendations in the draft strategy include designating “RV-only” car parking areas at the Francis Street car park, across from Northgate shopping centre and Glenfield IGA and in the City No. 5 car park opposite Stirlings Centre.
As well, the strategy suggests seeking council permission for travellers to sleep overnight in RVs which are undergoing repairs.
Other initiatives could include provision of a free public dump point and potable water supply near the CBD, signage on highway entry points promoting Geraldton as “regional resource hub for RVs” and a comprehensive guide to RV services linked to the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s website.
The draft report says capturing RV visitors who currently bypass the City could realistically increase total overnight stays by 50 per cent or more, boosting the local economy by an estimated $9.4 million.
