The Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) will take over operations of Greenpatch Campground in Gordonvale, following a decision by local officials to improve site management and address ongoing issues.
The transition marks a shift from council oversight to nonprofit management, with CMCA set to introduce a structured camping system.
According to an article published by Mirage News on March 12, Greenpatch Campground has served as a rest stop for travelers for more than 85 years. In 2018, the local council formalized its use as a free short-stay campground, and a year later, completed a AU$2.4 million upgrade that added 42 campsites, a new amenities block, a dump point, and picnic areas.
Currently, a council officer visits the site on weekdays to monitor capacity, but the campground has faced challenges related to overstays and anti-social behavior.
In response, the council explored several management options before selecting CMCA, citing the organization’s experience in operating low-cost campgrounds.
CMCA, Australia’s largest RV club with approximately 60,000 members, manages nine campgrounds nationwide, including four in Queensland.
Under the new agreement, the organization will implement a fee-based camping system and provide an on-site manager to oversee daily operations.
Campers who are CMCA members will be charged $3 per night plus $2 per person, while non-members will pay $15 per night.
A portion of the site’s revenue will be allocated to the council.
In addition to daily management, CMCA will assume responsibility for emergency procedures, including evacuations during flood events.