Turkey Point and Cobblestone Drive may be in contention for new camping grounds, according to discussions by the City of Bunbury.
At the council meeting on Tuesday, April 17, the City presented recommendations submitted by the Camping Grounds Working Group.
The executive recommendation called for:
- Council to note and accept the findings in the Budget Camping Recommendations report.
- Determine not to proceed with Turkey Point as a location for overnight camping.
- Agree, following consultation with nearby businesses and residents, to implement a trial for overnight camping at Cobblestone Drive.
Councillor Karen Steele presented an alternative motion to council.
The motion called for council to note but not accept the report and to still consider Turkey Point as a viable option for camping.
Her proposal also asked for City of Bunbury chief executive officer Mal Osborne to revisit all possible sites for free camping and bring a report back to council for consideration.
At the meeting, councillor Brendan Kelly said Turkey Point and the Punchbowl Caravan Park – along Ocean Drive – could serve as viable options for practical, RV-friendly camping sites.
He also said the proposed Department of Parks and Wildlife site opposite Koombana Bay had great potential.
He added he was committed to ensuring the discussion would lead to a positive outcome for Bunbury.
The alternate motion was carried unanimously.
City of Bunbury Acting Mayor Jaysen Miguel said a briefing would be held after Mr Osborne’s report comes back to council.
“We have put it back to be looked at again,” he said.
“Close to the city is probably better for Bunbury, I assume, because people would be coming into town and spending money.
“Even if it is free camping, it doesn’t mean they won’t be spending money.
“They would generally be coming here, staying for a day or two, and spending money in the local cafes, shops etc.
“From the city’s point of view, having camp sites available is going to be good because it will capture a part of the tourism market which we don’t really have at the moment.”
Mr Miguel confirmed council had not yet decided on a budget amount for the project.
In April 2016, the council endorsed the establishment of a working group to investigate camping options in Bunbury.
In February last year, the council then endorsed the group’s eight key recommendations for affordable camping options in Bunbury and the South West.
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