The picturesque town of Malanda, located in Far North Queensland, Australia, rejoiced after the Tablelands Regional Council (TRC) decided against selling the council-owned Malanda Falls Caravan Park.
According to a report by ABC Net Australia, the community, with fewer than 2,000 residents, takes pride in its namesake waterfall, situated approximately 80 kilometers from Cairns.
TRC officers recently recommended granting freehold title to Malanda Falls Caravan Park, which would have allowed it to be put up for sale. The news spurred hundreds of local residents to email and message TRC members, expressing their concerns about the potential sale.
Janine Reilly, the caravan park manager, attended the council meeting and highlighted the park’s unique charm. She noted that it was the only caravan park with private access to a waterfall and located within walking distance to town.
“We’ve got people that come here year after year,” Reilly said. Some people that come at Christmas, this year will be their 54th year in a row — three generations — and they come for the simplicity.
James English, a dairy farmer and publican, gifted the land for the caravan park to the council in the 1950s, stipulating that it should remain a caravan park. Great-grandson Greg English, president of the Malanda Show Society, participated in the campaign against the park’s sale and expressed relief after the council’s decision, saying, “We absolutely did feel listened to.”
Councilor Dave Bilney, representing the Malanda district, acknowledged the community’s strong response. “To me, this clearly shows the genuine angst within, not only our community but also outside our Tablelands region,” he said.
Consequently, Cr. Bilney proposed that the council seek expressions of interest from potential operators interested in a lease of up to 30 years.
This decision has implications for RV park owners and operators, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in decision-making processes for public caravan parks. By seeking community feedback and input from potential operators, councils can make informed decisions balancing stakeholder and public interests.
Furthermore, the Malanda Falls Caravan Park case serves as a reminder for RV park owners and operators to offer unique experiences and amenities to attract loyal customers. The park’s proximity to the waterfall and town center played a crucial role in generating strong community support for its continued operation as a caravan park.
Gee, the Malanda caravan park is a swell spot for families and nature lovers! Surrounded by lush rainforest and with its regular events, it’s a real community hotspot. It’s awesome that the community’s voice was heard, and the park will remain public.
Can the idea that locals saved the Malanda Falls Caravan Park be any more heartwarming? The community’s unity ensured the park’s preservation for generations to come. By looking for long-term leaseholders, the council secures this gem’s future, keeping Malanda’s history alive. It’s like a victory for the town!
The fact that we all rallied together to save the Malanda Falls Caravan Park is truly heartwarming and inspiring. It’s a wonderful example of community spirit and unity in action. Isn’t it amazing how much we can achieve when we come together for a common cause?