Kempsey Shire Council seeks partner to develop and manage its holiday parks

In a sign that of an increasingly business-like approach being taken to by local government towards the management of holiday parks, Kempsey Shire Council is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the future management, operation and shared capital investment of its five holiday parks on the Macleay Valley Coast.

The EOI (TQE16/4 Management, Operation & Investment of Kempsey Shire Council Holiday Parks) invites experienced holiday park managers with the capability, business acumen and financial resources to partner with Council for the next stage of the holiday parks’ business development.

Situated at Crescent Head, Hat Head, Horseshoe Bay, Grassy Head, and Stuarts Point, the parks form a network of high profile beach-side locations as well as quieter and more relaxed natural areas.

With a resident population of 30,000, the Macleay Valley Coast is located approximately mid way between Sydney and Brisbane and attracts approximately 550,000 visitors per year.

The proposed future management contract offers management rights and a share of income in return for management services and capital investment in park improvements.

In its capacity as Reserve Trust Manager, the Council is prepared to consider a range of options for the term of management and operational systems commensurate with the level of capital investment offer.

Proposed broad terms include a minimum $1 million investment and a 10-year term commencing from 1st October 2016 although alternative proposals will also be considered.

The Council’s EOI advertisement advises “the Council’s Proposals will be required to offer value for money, demonstrate an appropriate approach to addressing the needs and commercial opportunities of the sites, as well as the interests of the community, and maintain the holiday parks as viable and ongoing operations.”

The EOI requires interested parties to attend compulsory on-site park inspections on Tuesday 19th April 2016.

The EOI follows a report undertaken by industry consultancy SGL Group (now the Otium Planning Group) in December last year on business management options for the holiday parks.

Expressions of Interest close 4pm on Thursday 28th April 2016.

Click here for more information or go to www.tenderlink.com/kempsey

Enquiries can be made to Kristy.Forche-Baird@kempsey.nsw.gov.au

More information on the Macleay’s tourism sector can be found at www.macleayvalleycoast.com.au

Click here to view the SGL report.

Images show the Horseshoe Bay Holiday Park. Courtesy of Macleay Valley Coastal Holiday Parks.

9th December 2015 - NEW OTIUM CONSULTANCY HIGHLIGHTS NATIONAL STRONGER REGIONS FUNDING PROJECT SUCCESSES

14th July 2015 - FUNDING SUCCESSES FROM SGL FEASIBILITY AND BUSINESS PLANNING STUDIES