Bundaberg holiday parks injects $2 million to regional economy

Patronage at the Bundaberg RV Park run by the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) has generated an estimated local spend of $706,000 in the first nine months since opening in June last year.

CMCA Business Development Officer Sean Constable said the park, which was leased from Council, currently catered to CMCA members.

Constable advised "the benefits to the Bundaberg Region in the initial months since opening of the park are quite obvious, with the feedback we are receiving pointing to a significant economic injection for Bundaberg

“The spend to date is based on the reported purchases from members who provide an estimate of their expenditure when leaving the park.

“Since June we have recorded 2665 visitor nights from 1328 bookings which equates to an average stay of two nights.”

Constable said there had been other financial spin-offs from CMCA members staying at the Bundaberg RV Park, adding "two motorhomes were traded locally, and four members also purchased houses in Bundaberg. That probably adds a further $1.3 million to what has been generated directly from the park activities."

Bundaberg Mayor Jack Dempsey said the RV industry was providing a financial windfall for local businesses, advising "in addition to the great results emanating out of the Bundaberg RV Park, Council has received positive feedback from the Childers business community regarding the impact of the RV area in Crescent Street.

Mayor Dempsey said the Bundaberg RV Park, which is located on a section of ground in the old Showgrounds Reserve, was leased to CMCA by Council following a call for expressions of interest.

He added “CMCA was the only group to lodge an application.

“The site has been developed at CMCA’s expense with Council collecting an annual lease payment and rates from the land.”

Mayor Dempsey said the 'RV Friendly' status of the Bundaberg Region was proving to be a strong economic contributor, concluding "there is a lot more scope to further develop this industry”.

Image: Past campaigns have positioned Bundaberg as 'RV friendly'.