Report to provide analysis on low-cost camping site and RV amenities in Geelong

LAST week brought to a close the City of Greater Geelong’s community engagement period as part of a review into the merits of establishing a low-cost camping site and RV amenities in the northern areas of Geelong.

Back in November 2013, an initial assessment of potential and existing RV amenities and an RV Friendly Town Review was presented to Council.

My Notice of Motion in July 2021 highlighted the need to review that initial assessment into RV amenities along with low-cost camping in our northern suburbs.

Part of the reason Geelong’s north was selected as the potential location for low-cost camping was its proximity to the Spirit of Tasmania’s new terminal.

From spring 2022, North Geelong will become an entry point for thousands of travellers annually, including those with RVs, as the new home for the Spirit of Tasmania.

It is expected the relocation of the Spirit of Tasmania to Corio Quay will provide a significant boost to the local economy, increasing tourism expenditure by $57.3 million in Geelong by 2030, and an increase in RV traffic.

But we should be looking to explore ways to ensure it is not just the same areas that are the beneficiaries of this.

As those of us who live in and champion Geelong’s northern suburbs know, we have so much to offer visitors to our region, and providing them with a cheap and safe accommodation option would undoubtedly enhance the likelihood of them experiencing all that we have in our backyard.

The north of Geelong has an array of nature-based tourism experiences for visitors to enjoy, including the You Yangs and the Brisbane Ranges, as well as walking trails that capture incredible views around Corio Bay.

Every year we cater to thousands of visitors at nearby major events including the Australian International Airshow and the Lara Food and Wine Festival, highlighting our capacity to be an economic driver for the region.

In addition to this, The Arena is home to a multitude of sports and cultural events, bringing people from across the state and country to the north of Geelong.

The City of Greater Geelong is full of wonderful places to explore for both visitors and locals alike, and yet so often the north is forgotten, but it should not be the case.

Urban Enterprise, which conducted the independent consultation, is now in the process of analysing data and public feedback collected as part of its review, and is expected to provide a report to Council on its findings in May.

I want to thank the community for its feedback and correspondence relating to this consultation.

This report will contain detailed analysis of such topics as the viability of establishing a low-cost camping site and RV amenities in Geelong as well as preferred site locations, economic impact and community and environmental impacts of a low-cost camping site and RV amenities.

The Spirit of Tasmania’s move to North Geelong is an exciting time for our region and serves as a perfect opportunity to review the feasibility and practicality of creating a low-cost camping site and RV amenities in the north.

But it is also a timely reminder that there is so much already on our doorstep just waiting to be discovered not only by those who will make their way to our region in the years to come, but by those who live a little closer as well.

Cr Kylie Grzybek
Windermere Ward