VICTORIA'S Moira Shire Council is looking for someone to manage and
develop its 121-site caravan park.
With the lease due for renewal this year, expressions of interest have
been invited for Barmah Caravan Park, which is nestled into a bend in the
Murray River.
Council chief executive Mark Henderson said the EOI process would ensure
any future lease was determined "in a fair and transparent manner".
"We look forward to receiving EOIs from the existing operator as well as
others who may have a vision for this unique and special location," he
said.
The park is about two hours from Melbourne alongside the Barmah National
Park, which is heritage listed and home to the largest stand of River Red
Gums in the world.
With a population of just a few hundred, tiny Barmah has the unique claim
of being the only Victorian town north of the Murray River.
The area is popular for camping, canoeing, bushwalking, fishing and
boating and has long and rich indigenous history.
“Through the EOI process we are looking for proposals from potential
operators who can manage the caravan park and also partner in the delivery
of improvement works to realise the full potential of this iconic tourism
destination," Mr Henderson said.
The council is seeking proposals for a lease of up to 21 years which would
allow time for the operator to realise their vision for the park.
Mr Henderson pointed out that any lease would be subject to a public
review process and would require ministerial approval before it could
proceed.
"At this stage we anticipate the many steps could take until Easter 2017
to complete," he said.
"In the meantime the caravan park will continue to operate as normal and
can continue to take bookings into the new year."
EOIs must be received at the council offices by 4pm on July 27.
