TWO public areas within Kerang are being considered as possible sites for self-contained recreational vehicle camping.
The increasing popularity of recreational vehicle – or RV – friendly sites has led to discussions with two groups, shire strategic development director, Chris White has told council recently.
The RV sites at Leitchville and Cohuna are working very well, with plenty of positive comments recorded in the Gateway to Gannawarra Centre visitor book and in online feedback/comments, he said.
Mr White said that there is still a need to achieve a consensus around the RV market in Kerang and the relative merits of establishing a dedicated RV site.
“Discussions have been held with the Kerang Turf Club around using their facilities for RV camping – and this would also accord with the aspirations of the Alexandra Park Trustees,” he said.
VicTrack and Grain Corp are also supportive of using along Wellington Street adjacent to the railway line. This area has previously been used by railway works gangs.
Council was told that the numbers of campers in the RV site adjacent to the Gunbower Creek at Cohuna have increased significantly since inception and the Leitchville continues to perform strongly.
The RV site at Reedy Lake, north-west of Kerang, is nearing completion and, although at the present time usage data for this site is not recorded, there have been positive comments about the location itself.
Statistics for the Cohuna site are showing an average of 6.8 campers per day (vehicles). Based on the research from the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia, expenditure of $130 per day equates to $39,800 per month or $478,600 per annum.
“It is a significant boost to the local Cohuna economy,” Mr White said.
“Plans are being developed to expand the current site and landscape the area, in conjunction with other community plans for adjoining areas, for example, working with Cohuna Lions to improve the adjacent parkland.”
Discussions have been held with Quambatook and Koondrook regarding RV accreditation and the development of RV sites. Quambatook has decided not to proceed with accreditation at this stage, but has capacity to cater for large RVs at the community caravan park.
Koondrook has been evaluating several sites for an RV site and dump point, and further work is required to identify a site which showcases Koondrook’s tourism strengths, complements other investments and meets with Caravan Motorhome Club of Australia approval.
