July 2010

'Nothing lasts for ever'

Iconic Bathers set to sink after rezoning paves way for homes

THE end is nigh for a half-century-old iconic caravan park in Western Australia.

Esperance Shire Council has announced that the 56-site Bather's Paradise Caravan Park, former members of the Oz Parks chain, will close at the end of next January.

It is believed the site will be used for residential development, though the options are open following rezoning.

The news comes after complaints that the three-and-a-half-star privately-owned park, 3km from Esperance, was allegedly not complying with the Health Act by not being connected to the sewerage system.

Managers Rob and Denise Foster admitted to media that the three-acre park was showing its age.

"I guess its closure will be sad news for the caravanning fraternity," Mrs Foster told Caravanning News. "But it's a very old park and it's been hard work for the owners. Realistically, it is worth more as bare land than it is as a park."

She said it would be sad to see the 50-year-old caravan park close.

"It is a very popular park and iconic. But as much as I love it, it needs a large injection of funds which would really price it out of the market," Mrs Turner said.

She explained that the shire council – "in its wisdom" – had instigated the closure but had been very helpful in getting the land rezoned.

"This opens up a whole range of possiblities ... a retirement village, flats or houses. There are four half-acre plots. It is in a residential area and its position is ideal."

And she added: "The park has been here for a very long time, but nothing lasts for ever."