Hit the road Jack, and go see Australia…. that would be an aspiration
for most of us, well of mine anyway. For many this involves the
purchase of a motor home. The Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia
(CMCA) has 61000 members. Just over two years ago they held their
national rally here in Rockhampton. Waiting in the doctor’s reception
area I started reading their magazine ‘The Wanderer’, it was even a 2011
edition. It included a list of RV (recreational vehicle) friendly
towns/destinations. I was surprised that a former host city of their
national rally was not included. A check of their website confirmed no
towns within the Rockhampton region were included. Yet towns such as
Duaringa, Theodore, Springsure, Longreach and Winton were listed. The
criteria to be listed as RV friendly didn’t look too demanding.
As in the Mayors welcome message for the 2009 National Rally in
Rockhampton, “from the city to the beach and the bush – we’ve got
something for everyone!” Mayor Carter went on to list, “the pristine
beaches along the Capricorn Coast, the many parks and gardens around our
region including our internationally recognised Botanic and Japanese
Gardens, the Rockhampton Art Gallery, the Rockhampton Zoo and Murray
Lagoon Wetlands, Mount Archer lookout, Fitzroy River Park and nature
walk”. Add to this the historic charms of Mount Morgan, the Rockhampton
Heritage Village, barra fishing in the Fitzroy, the Dreamtime Centre,
the islands, exploring Capricorn Caves and digging for thunder eggs;
our region does arguably have the variety to attract a CMCA member if
not a few thousand of them – every year.
One of the services to be classified as RV friendly is the provision of
short term (24/48/72 + hour) parking. Could the Council provide space
and facilities within our regions showgrounds for this provision?
Charging a reasonable rate for those who want to stay longer then the
determined short term stay.
A win, win scenario; the region attracts more RV’s, nearby businesses
benefit from their patronage, and it’s an opportunity for Council to
earn revenue. After all why host a CMCA National Rally if no long term
relationship with them was desired. So the question is why hasn’t
Rockhampton, Mount Morgan, Yeppoon or The Caves been classified as an RV
friendly town/destination? Surely the benefits would out weigh the
costs. 61000 members – 61000 people who have made a considerable
investment to tour Australia and the baby boomer generation hasn’t all
retired yet. The motor home tourist market will continue to grow. Lets
get on the bus or in this case the motor home and instead of hoping
they will visit us again, give them reason to return and explore this
part of Central Queensland.