JULY 2021
 

Moving to commercial paid camping model

Council decides to turn popular Lake Proserpine campsite into profit-maker

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QUEENSLAND'S Whitsunday Regional Council plans to abandon free camping at the popular Lake Proserpine camping ground and turn it into a profit-maker.

The council has decided to upgrade and develop the picturesque waterside facility by moving to a commercial paid camping model with on-site managers.

From mid-July paid camping will be introduced with fees set at $8 an adult, $4 for children (4-14) and $20 a night for two adults and two children.

Current Kamp Kanga caretakers Kris Walker and Helena Williamson were awarded a $180,000 one-year contract to provide on-site management.

Mayor Andrew Willcox said that with regional tourism proving so popular the timing was ideal to appoint on-site managers and move to a commercial model by introducing paid camping.

"Having Kris and Helena as on-site managers will improve the level of service," he said.

"When visitors now arrive at Lake Proserpine they can be greeted with a smile by the managers, get checked-in and be provided with information on what the lake offers.

"The managers' role also includes ground maintenance, visitor information and operation of the on-site kiosk."

Cr Willcox said the aim was to keep it casuall because the appeal of camping at Lake Proserpine is the authentic outdoor experience.

"It will still be a relaxed environment; it will still be bush camping and people can still choose their sites for a little slice of paradise," he said.

"We will be charging a small fee and increasing the maximum stay from three to seven nights to help keep people in the region longer.

"All fees will be reinvested back into future upgrades and to help cover the costs of employing the caretakers and maintaining the facilities."

The council completed Stage 1 of the Lake Proserpine Master Plan in 2019, creating a revitalised camping area which included waterside bush camping sites, new public toilets and showers, designated fire pits, upgraded picnic facilities and three new fishing pontoons to improve access for boaties.

Mayor Willcox said Lake Proserpine was another jewel in the crown for the Whitsunday region.

"Only a few years ago we had minimal facilities here and now we have a popular camping area with new pontoons, shower facilities, upgraded toilets and improved picnic areas.

"Having hundreds of vehicles each week travelling through Proserpine during peak season will create an estimated average spend of $385 on provisions and services per vehicle.

"This means an economic injection into the region of up to $7.95 million annually and the potential to create an extra 58 jobs."

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