A FORMER caravan park operator has urged opponents of a plan to allow free overnight camping in Victoria's small Snowy River towns to make the most of the situation.

Parks are critical and angry after East Gippsland Shire councillors decided that towns in its area should become more friendly to grey nomads and other travellers by offering free camping and other facilities.

But Australian Caravan Club member Graham Canham, who lives in the Snowy River community of Orbost, told Caravanning News: "As a park owner I never let the situation of free camping get to me ... it's a matter of working smarter to attract people to your park."

Mr Canham explained: "Our park was right on a river and next to the showgrounds, so there was always someone camped either along the river or at the showground. During shows and dog trials I would introduce myself and let them know of the facilities they could utilise at a cost ... washing machines, showers, BBQ, LPG, shop, canoe hire etc.

"From these sales, I probably made as much as I would in a camping fee. Many came back and actually stayed in the park.

"Word also got around along the Murray about 30km away that these facilities were available and were utilised by many who came into town to do their shopping. We even had those camping on the river opt for a night of 'luxury' and book a cabin for the night."

Marlo Caravan Park and Motel co-owner Aileen Prolongeau told the local Snowy River Mail she was against providing free facilities for travellers and thought it was "hogwash" to suggest they would spend more locally.

"You just get the ones that have a lot of money and whinge about everything," she claimed. "As far as I am concerned, if they can afford a flash 4WD and a self-contained camper they can afford a site."

And Robyn Rogers, of Mallacoota's Shady Gully Caravan Park, told the newspaper: "They (the shire) charge us for licences and they turn around and do this ... it's not even an option as far as I am concerned."

But Mr Canham said Ms Prolongeau's comments were "beyond" him.

"Do these park owners that whine about free camping also whine about patrons who choose to stay in another caravan park?

"Believe me, it's not always a 'bed of roses' running a caravan park, it can be very tough. The trick is to create a positive out of a negative. If you are not prepared to work to find other ways of attracting people to your park then it's time to get out. It won't happen on its own.

"Some park owners, it appears, can't see any advantages in a town becoming RV friendly. Just driving into a town where parking is difficult is a deterrent to travellers with a large caravan."

Mr Canham said that when touring and approaching a town well signposted with 'caravan parking' signs he always stopped and wandered around town, inevitably spending money.

"We may not camp there, but we spend money there. Do these park owners begrudge the other businesses in town gaining from increased tourism?"

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