2014-08-25 General Committee Agenda

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                                      25 AUGUST 2014


Both of the aforementioned applications are subject to impact assessment. Neither meets the
criteria for “RV Friendly Town” status, but if approved will still attract visitors who will contribute to
the local economy.

An option for Council is to await the outcome of these applications to see if the private sector can
fill the gap in the market.

8.2   Existing facilities able to cater for RVs within 10km from Cooroy

Camp Cooroora scout camp located at Lake Macdonald approximately 8.5km from Cooroy RSL
provides an informal camping option in an attractive environment that accommodates RV’s.
Those travelling in larger motorhomes may not find it desirable to travel along the gravel roads to
access the site and there is no dump point.

Noosa Showgrounds at Pomona accommodate RVs overnight and have a dump point available
on site for paying guests. A development application seeking approval for the use is currently
being prepared.

Neither of these sites meets the criteria for “RV Friendly Town” status.

8.3   How do you know the RV Stopover has been a success?

Other than counts on number of nights stayed the economic spin off is more difficult to assess
without undertaking formal surveys or providing incentives. Numerous studies have been
undertaken worldwide to demonstrate the economic benefits of RV travellers, but it takes
considerable resources and time to gather and analyse the data.

The Cooroy Chamber of Commerce could be asked to gather data from their members to help
inform deliberations regarding the outcome of the trial. One suggestion is that users be
encouraged to place their name & details on back of receipts from businesses in the Cooroy
township to be in the draw for an attractive prize drawn regularly (e.g. fuel vouchers with a
monthly draw).


9.    CONCLUSION

There is no “perfect” location within the Cooroy Town Precinct for an RV overnight area, or for a
free public waste dump facility for RV’s that fully meets the criteria for “RV Friendly Town” status.

An option for Council is to await the outcome of the current private planning applications to see if
the private sector can fill the gap in the market although neither meets the criteria to achieve “RV
Friendly Town” status if that is the primary objective.

If Council wishes to proceed, it is considered the best approach is to apply for a MCU over the
Combined Coastal Car Club permit to occupy open space area to allow temporary use of the site
for a trial period. It is considered the trial would need to run for at least 12 months to gain a full
appreciation of any issues but approval should be sought for 2 years to cover any overrun if the
trial is successful and Council wishes to continue the use. Due to the site constraints and
potential for damage to the surface it is recommended that use be restricted to Class “A” & “B”
Motorhomes up to maximum of 12.5m (no big rigs).

For the waste dump points, both sites are subject to flooding and there are pros and cons with
each site. On balance it is recommended that the site within Lot 1 SP242414, 17 Mary River
Road be the preferred location based on a minimal approach to its establishment.



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