Barwon Coast camping masterplan released

BARWON Coast has set out its vision for managing campers and caravan users on its land over the next 10 years.

Public consultation on the committee of management’s draft Caravan and Camping Parks Master Plan began on Monday this week.

The master plan covers the Breamlea Caravan Park, Barwon Heads Caravan Park, Riverside Campground and the Riverview Family Caravan Park.

It notes the caravan parks and campground in the Barwon Coast reserve have ageing infrastructure that require investment for their upgrade or replacement, as well as environmental challenges such as potential leakage of old septic systems and the need to protect moonah woodlands and other native vegetation.

“There is also a growing popularity of camping holidays and the ongoing challenge of enough available sites,” the master plan states.

“Currently the wait list at Barwon Coast for 12-month permit sites is at capacity, and there is greater demand than availability of casual sites.”

Engagement with stakeholders – including caravan park users, local sports clubs, surf life saving clubs, and community groups – in the creation of the master plan revealed four key themes:

• Need for upgrade to ageing infrastructure and amenities
• Significance of the cultural, heritage and environmental areas and the need to ensure effective management and protection of these areas
• Need for a balanced, diverse and affordable accommodation mix, and
• Management and administration improvements required to streamline operations and bookings.

The master plan is based around seven guiding principles:

• Support connection to Country and protection of cultural values
• Protect and enhance the environmental values
• Adapt to existing and future impacts of climate change
• Enable a financial return to support coastal management responsibilities of Barwon Coast
• Support affordable holiday options that can be accessed in a fair and equitable manner
• Enhance connection to place, family and friends and the overall visitor experience, and
• Be agile to respond to market trends and innovative opportunities.

“We are pleased to invite the community and campers to look at the draft master plan and have their say. Input from these groups is a vital part of the process.” Barwon Coast chief executive officer Gary McPike said.

“The draft master plan has been developed to protect and enhance the cultural and environmental values of Barwon Coast caravan parks and campground while making sure they stay special places to visit into the future.

“We will be organising information sessions to gather feedback from campers, the local community and foreshore users.”

“This feedback and input will be considered in finalising the master plan. The final master plan is expected to be released, along with a Community Consultation Report, in late 2023.”

Community consultation closes on October 2.

To download the Barwon Coast Caravan and Camping Parks Master Plan, head to barwoncoast.com.au/projects/masterplan