Motor home rally a boost for region
The Great Southern is hoping to capitalise on the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia’s national rally, to be held in Albany in October, with an expected injection of $2 million to $3 million into the regional economy.
The largest recreational vehicle club in the southern hemisphere will park about 1000 vehicles carrying 1800 members on Centennial Oval.
Great Southern Development chairman Peter Rundle said the CMCA national rally in Albany had the potential to generate significant economic benefits, not only to the host community but more broadly to Great Southern communities.
“Great Southern hinterland communities should prepare for the influx of visitors as they are in an excellent position to capitalise on the visitors to our region,” he said.
“Due to the nature of the RV market, the economic benefits to the region should continue to be felt in the local economy throughout the year through repeat visitation and word of mouth.”
Rally manager Vince Calleja will host a regional briefing next Monday in Gnowangerup to outline potential opportunities for Shires, community groups and businesses to benefit from the rally.
Mr Calleja said $2 million to $3 million was expected to be spent in Albany and the region, particularly on food and fuel.
“In Robinvale, Victoria, a place smaller than Mt Barker … they estimated they spent $3 million at the anniversary rally last year,” he said.
Mr Calleja said marquees, trade displays and entertainment would be set up on Centennial Oval where the vehicles would be based and they would aim to “engage the local community as much as possible”.
He said the travellers would spend money “either end” of the rally in places such as Jerramungup, Kojonup and Gnowangerup and shires would need to be ready to be ready with tourism options such as bushwalking and driving tours.
Mr Calleja said the CMCA Solos Network, made up of single travellers, would host its annual general meeting a week before in one of the Great Southern shires, another boost to the local economy.
Hidden Treasures of the Great Southern chairwoman Di Holly said there were many opportunities for the rally to link in with wildflower season and the Bloom Festival held at the same time.
“It is anticipated visitors will extend their stay in the region beyond the period of the rally, providing an opportunity to experience some of our region’s hidden treasures,” she said.
Kojonup Visitor Centre manager Glenys Russell said the event was a fantastic opportunity and events would be held in Kojonup.
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