Federation Council has approved steps to explore a consolidated management approach for the Federation Council-owned Urana Caravan Park and the Waterfront Pavilion, following a decision made at its April meeting. The proposal is aimed at combining the management of the caravan park, pavilion, and adjacent foreshore amenities, including public toilets and barbecue facilities, into a single operational contract.
Council officers presented several options ahead of the decision, noting that the current management contract for the Urana Caravan Park is due to expire on June 30, 2026. Under the endorsed plan, Council will proceed with a broader tender process intended to cover all related assets under one agreement, rather than separate arrangements.
To maintain continuity during the transition period, Council also resolved to extend existing operational agreements for both the caravan park and the Waterfront Pavilion until November 30, 2026.
This extension is intended to allow time for financial modeling and the preparation of the tender process under the relevant provisions of the NSW Local Government Act 1993.
Federation Council Mayor Cr Cheryl Cook told Mirage News that the approach is designed to balance operational efficiency with service delivery outcomes for the local area.
“The Urana Caravan Park is a cornerstone of our local economy and a critical provider of accommodation for both tourists and workers,” Mayor Cook said.
“By moving toward a joint management model for the caravan park and the Waterfront Pavilion, Council can offer a more sustainable opportunity for a contractor while making our own management processes more efficient.
Consolidating these assets into one contract with clear Key Performance Indicators will allow us to take a more ‘hands-off’ approach, similar to our plans for other major assets, and ultimately provide better value for our ratepayers.”
For outdoor hospitality and caravan park operators, the decision highlights a broader trend in local government asset management toward bundled contracts with defined performance measures.
Industry stakeholders often note that such models can increase operational scale for successful bidders while also raising expectations around reporting, maintenance standards, and guest experience consistency across multiple facilities.
Once the tender process is completed, a further report will be presented to Council for review and consideration before any final appointment is made. The outcome is expected to shape how the Urana foreshore precinct is managed beyond 2026, with implications for both visitor services and local tourism capacity in the region.