2017-08-08 Services & Organisation Committee Agenda

SERVICES & ORGANISATION COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                 8 AUGUST 2017


A development application for a material change of use over the site was submitted in January
2015 (MCU15/0003) and received approval in June 2015, subject to 18 conditions. The
approved use is for a Self-Contained RV Stop and development conditions include requirements
for:
   A limit of 40 fully self-contained RV’s
   Maximum of 4 night stays
   On site manager
   No on-site release of grey water or waste
   Installation of a new public sewage dump point
The development assessment report noted the site neighbours industrial premises and is located
within the floodplain of Cooroy Creek, with it likely to be subject to relatively frequent flood
inundation. The report indicated the development was supportable because it did not involve the
addition of buildings or significant infrastructure within the floodplain and RV’s could vacate the
site provided an onsite manager was in place to enact a disaster management plan. A copy of
the current flood mapping showing the site in a 100yr ARI event is included as Attachment 1.

Council undertook site improvements to establish the facility and meet development approval
requirements in late 2015. The total cost, excluding staff time, was approximately $32,000 and
included:
    Public dump point installation (including power and water connections)
    Driveway improvements and minor civil works
    Entrance gates
    Signage.

Council sought quotes for site management services in September 2015. Despite previous
indications that a number of community organisations would be interested in running the site,
only one submission was received from Crimmins Enterprises Pty Ltd (which also manages
Council’s Boreen Point Campground). Crimmins Enterprises was awarded the management
agreement at a remuneration of $18,250 per annum plus 50% of takings. The agreement was
initially for a 12 month term, with 2 x 1 year options by mutual agreement. The contract is
currently in the first option period, which expires in December 2017.

The Cooroy RV Stopover commenced trading in December 2015. Self-contained RV’s are
charged $10 per night, with stays limited to 4 nights. Council promotes the facility through its
website, Facebook and listings on other websites - such as Tourism Noosa and caravanning/grey
nomad sites. A5 flyers also promote the facility at visitor information centres and stands.

Alternate Facilities

It is important to recognise that Cooroy’s visitor accommodation market has changed over the
conception and delivery period of Council’s RV Stopover. Most significantly, a private facility on
a former nursery site at 154 Holts Road obtained development approval from Council in
December 2014. That site operates as the Cooroy No Worries RV Stop and its owners advise it
receives strong visitation (currently around 80% occupancy) and good customer feedback. The
site has good access to the Bruce Highway but is not within walking distance of Cooroy’s CBD. It
is limited to 20 RVs and provides powered sites and a range of amenities and facilities. Fees are
currently $15 for an unpowered site and $25 with power.

The establishment of the private facility at Holts Road has impacted patronage at Council’s
stopover. Cooroy No Worries RV Stop provides a high standard of amenities and facilities in a
pleasant rural setting with good access to the Bruce Highway. Whilst it is not within walking
distance to Cooroy, this does not appear to be a significant drawback for its guests who still
frequent the town to access its shops, services and dump point (located at Council’s RV
Stopover).


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