2017-08-08 Services & Organisation Committee Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                    8 AUGUST 2017


2     REVIEW OF COUNCIL'S COOROY RV STOPOVER FACILITY AT 17 MARY RIVER
      ROAD, COOROY
Author            Property Advisor, Denis Wallace
                  Corporate Services Department

Index             ECM/ Applications/ MCU15/0003/VP16/0011/ Property/ 17 Mary River Rd

Attachments       1.    Flood Map


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Noosa Council established the Cooroy RV Stopover in 2015 in order to address an identified
need to cater for RV travellers. Council land at 17 Mary River Road was selected due to its
proximity to Cooroy’s CBD, however, the location within the floodplain of Cooroy Creek and
proximity to industrial premises constrains the site’s development potential. Council invested
significant funds and resources to establish and operate the stopover facility but patronage has
been modest at best. The terms of the initial third party management agreement to operate the
facility currently represent a poor financial outcome for ratepayers.

The facility has been operating for nearly 2 years and it is timely that Council reviews its
operation and sustainability. Council’s primary expense is the stopover’s third party management
agreement, with a 237% increase in patronage required to achieve cost neutrality under the
current model. In order for Council to better consider available options, it is recommended a new
Expression of Interest process is undertaken to garner interest in running the Cooroy RV
Stopover. A further report on the EOI results and future options for the stopover is proposed to be
presented to Council before the December expiry of the current management agreement.

RECOMMENDATION
That Council note the report by the Property Advisor to the Services & Organisation Committee
Meeting dated 8 August 2017 and proceed to an Expression of Interest process for management
of Council’s RV Stop facility at 17 Mary River Road, Cooroy (Lot 1 SP242414), as detailed in the
report.

REPORT
The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the operation of Council’s Cooroy
Recreational Vehicle (RV) Stopover facility and review the current management agreement,
which is due to expire in December 2017.

Background

A report on a proposal to establish a new RV stopover in Cooroy was considered by Council in
August 2014, with Council resolving to pursue the concept. At the time Cooroy did not have an
RV stop and both Council and Cooroy community members identified a need for new RV
facilities, preferably within walking distance of Cooroy’s CBD. Land at 17 Mary River Road was
identified as the most suitable Council land for the proposal. The facility was initially proposed for
a 2 year trial, however, the development approval obtained was not time limited.

The site is held in freehold and includes Permits to Occupy for the Cooroy Horse and Pony Club
and the Combined Coastal Car Club (CCCC). The RV Stopover site is located within the
CCCC’s permit area, with that area being for non-exclusive use and only required for major club
events on approximately 4 days a year. Pony Club events also fully occupy the site for around
10 days per year. The RV Stopover location is shown in Figure 1 and 2 below.

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