By PETER DOUGLAS
YARRA Ranges council has paved the way for the development of a Big 4 branded caravan park in Warburton.
At its 14 July meeting, council essentially signed off on the sale of the town’s caravan park to a small consortium from Inverloch, which will develop what will be a former council-owned asset.
Since the 1950s, the site at 30 Woods Point Road has been operated as a caravan park, having been originally established by the Warburton Progress Association.
But many councillors believe the move will be a boon for the Warburton economy.
Cr Noel Cliff was particularly high in praise of the decision.
“A Big 4 (banner) would turn it around, now we’ve got the (Warburton Rail) trail there,” Cr Cliff said.
“Warburton needs tourists and facilities.
“We’ll get good spin-off, it’s a good sale, the community gets a benefit through tourism and employment.”
Meanwhile, Councillor Jim Child declared a conflict of interest and was not present for the vote.
Upper Yarra Community Enterprise, which operates as the Warburton Community Bank (Bendigo), had also put in an offer that would have kept the park in community ownership.
But having considered all submissions, and being of the opinion the site is no longer required, council voted to sell the asset.
The shire will also lease the adjacent Crown river front land for a term of 21 years.
The sale includes a section 173 agreement to ensure the land continues to operate as a caravan/camping park and to protect the occupancy of all existing residents of the park for two years.
The consortium comprises Ray, Simon and Adrian Edwards, and David Pratt, who operate an award-winning caravan park at Inverloch.
Ray Edwards said it was a great result.
“We are delighted with council’s decision,” he said.
“Warburton is undervalued in its tourism potential and we know we can make a difference.
“We are keen to work with the tourism and community groups in the town.
“We’re keen to get started and do it better for the benefit of the whole community.”
The consortium is planning significant improvements to the park, including a new amenities block, which would abolish the coin-operated showers.
Also, the park will have a focus on cycle-based tourism.
There will be no change to public pedestrian access along the riverfront land or Bicentennial Trail with the sale.
Conditions within the Crown lease will ensure the community retains a right of access across the land into the foreseeable future.
The recreation land next to the caravan park (the site of the tennis courts and old swimming pool) is not part of the sale, and will remain as council-owned land.
