CMCA to run Seagull Paddock camping site

THE Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) will run camping on part of Seagull Paddock in Norlane after winning an expression of interest (EOI) process from the City of Greater Geelong.

While the EOI process run earlier this year did not specify that the site be used for low-cost camping, this was overwhelmingly favoured in the responses.

Lease negotiations with CMCA are under way, with the support of the city’s Business Concierge team, as the planning process is being finalised.

The CMCA already oversees RV park locations across Australia, where it manages and provide basic sites for fully self-contained RVs and caravans.

The city says selecting the CMCA presents a significant tourism opportunity for Seagull Paddock, with the prospect of attracting some of the club’s 70,000 members to Geelong.

The site’s potential includes its proximity to the Spirit of Tasmania quay and easy access to Melbourne Road, providing connectivity to major tourist attractions.

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the lease agreement was a significant move towards a major tourism opportunity for the region.

“The CMCA is Australia’s largest RV club, and I welcome their interest in the site as a way for our city to tap into a new market of local tourism.

“Seagull Paddock makes sense as a low-cost camping destination with the Spirit of Tasmania just down the road, the Federal Mills precinct minutes away and easy access to a range of tourism experiences via Melbourne Road.

“I’m very pleased that great strides are being taken towards this idea becoming a reality, and I look forward to progress continuing.”

CMCA chief executive Richard Barwick said low-cost camping would promote longer stays in the region.

“This is an exciting development not just for Geelong city, but the wider regional population as many utilising the Spirit of Tasmania ferry service will now be able to stay longer in the region injecting much appreciated tourism dollars.

“This park is a part of the plan to extend our network further around Australia.”