Greater Shepparton City Council has completed a successful 12-month trial and will continue to offer the Recreational Vehicle (RV), Rest Stop in Tatura at Douglas Street car parking, a report said.
After a successful 12-month trial, Council allocated space for three RVs that could stay in Tatura for as long as 48 hours.
CCTV surveillance data showed that the site was used for 70 nights. Surveys revealed that the average spending per stay in the town was around $200 per vehicle. After analysis, it was deemed successful. Council approved the continuation of the Douglas Street RV Rest Stop. A review will take place in three years.
Cr Kim O’Keeffe, the Mayor, stated that there was a greater demand for accommodations in local communities due to the substantial growth in the RV market.
She said that Council was extremely happy to continue hosting RVs in Tatura for no charge for the next three years.
“The trial location at Douglas Street was chosen because it is close to Hogan Street and has easy access to both. It is also a short walk from amenities, including many shops and cafes, and the Tatura dumpsite located near Tatura Park.”
The trial coincided with the resurfacing of Douglas Street’s car park, upgrading street lighting, and installing CCTV monitoring. Council will designate the area as a camping area and place signage to regulate RV’s use of the rest stop.
Tatura has three caravan parks that offer both powered and unpowered sites. However, it is limited in terms of the number of sites that can be used for large fifth wheels and buses.
By taking a coordinated and strategic approach to managing RVs in Greater Shepparton, we will be able to establish a positive image that could potentially have the potential to increase return visitor numbers and encourage more visitors to spend longer stays within the region.
On a case-by-case basis, there will be consideration of RV Rest Stops being free in other cities. Council will create an RV strategy in consultation with key stakeholders as part of the next Economic Development Tourism and Major Events Strategy. This will be to accommodate future requests.
Contact the Tourism and Major Events team at (03) 5832 9700 for more information on the Tatura Recreational Vehicle Rest Stop.