AUGUST 2021

Helping to establish a positive reputation

Shepparton City Council to continue operating free 48hr rest stop for RVs

Douglas Street car park

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VICTORIA'S Greater Shepparton City Council will continue its free RV rest stop in Tatura after a successful 12 month trial.

The area at the Douglas Street car park offers three spaces for fully self-contained caravans, motorhomes or campervans for up to 48 hours.

The council had estimated that the experiment would cost more than $9000, including $3500 to hire CCTV to monitor the sites.

Data collected via the surveillance showed the site was utilised a total of 70 nights during the trial, with surveys revealing the average spend in the town per stay was close to $200 per vehicle.

The council will review its decision in three years' time.

Mayor Kim O'Keeffe said given the significant growth experienced in the RV market, there was an increased demand for local towns to accommodate the travellers.

"Council is extremely pleased to be able to continue hosting RVs for free in Tatura for at least the next three years," she said.

"The Douglas Street location was identified for the trial because of its close proximity and access to Hogan Street, a short walk to amenities and many cafes and shops on offer, as well as the Tatura dump point located nearby at Tatura Park."

Coinciding with the trial, the car park was resurfaced, street lighting upgraded and CCTV cameras installed.

To enable the rest stop to continue to be utilised by RVs, the council will specify the area as a designated camping area and erect official signage to regulate its use.

While Tatura already has three caravan parks with powered and non-powered sites, there are limitations to the number of sites that can accommodate large fifth wheelers and converted buses.

"Offering an RV-friendly town shows the region is a destination that is welcoming and seeks to cater to this market's needs," Cr O'Keeffe said.

"By having a strategic and coordinated approach to managing RVs within Greater Shepparton, it will help us establish a positive reputation which potentially has the ability to increase returning visitor numbers and encourage new visitors to spend longer periods within the region."

Further consideration for free RV rest stops in other towns will be assessed on a case by case basis.

The council will develop an RV strategy, in consultation with key stakeholders, as part of the next Economic Development Tourism and Major Events Strategy to accommodate future requests.

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