Councillor Belinda McCorkell wants council to take greater advantage of the ever increasing number of grey nomads taking to the roads in their caravans and recreational vehicles (RVs). 

She raised the matter at the most recent Council meeting.

“Whilst we focus on our industry and future infrastructure as part of the “The Hub” project we may be overlooking an opportunity that already presents itself to our Shire but have not yet embraced to its full potential,” Cr McCorkell said.

During the past decade the self-contained RV tourist market has continued to experience significant growth to the extent it is now considered one of the most important and sustainable sectors within the Tourism industry. 

“Parkes shire experiences a constant flow of this type of traffic on a daily basis because of its ideal location on the Newell Highway.”

“Issues need to be addressed such as the provision of suitable parking for RVs and Caravans to access the CBD areas in Parkes including temporary ‘drop off’ points, plus adequate signage to allow these tourists to park, find facilities and tourism points within our Shire.”

Cr McCorkell said short-term parking within close proximity of the general shopping area is also of great importance.”

“Parkes appears to have little to no signage indicating to passing traffic, especially drivers of RVs or towing caravans that they can park in the CBD.

“I am aware that the Tourist Information Centre has a map of parking but unless people visit the Tourist Centre that cannot access this information. 

Parkes Shire Council has made a submission to be recognised as an RV friendly Shire with the Caravan & Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA). 

“While I hope this application is successful, I also believe there is a need to form a task force to access and plan for a range of infrastructure issues to adequately accommodate the RV and caravan visitors to town.

The Campervan Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) is one of the Nations largest Clubs with over 64,000 members. 

Statistics reveal the following:

* International and domestic RV tourists spend more nights in regional Australia compared to visitors from other tourism sectors

* The average self-contained RV Tourist spends 163 days a year travelling some 14,000 kilometres.

* When visiting towns, average major purchases include $235 on motoring needs, including fuel and vehicle maintenance, $160 on living expenses, and $51 on accommodation costs (calculated per week).

* 97% make purchases when stopping in a town.

Cr McCorkell said she believed her comments had the potential for a backlash from current caravan/accommodation operators.

“However, the market I believe we should be sourcing is the one we currently aren’t capturing because these types of travellers don’t stay in this type of accommodation currently available within the shire. 

“This market has made a considerable investment in their caravans and RVs so they are fully self-contained and don’t require power and water so they are only looking for somewhere safe to park up at little to no cost.

“Most of us would be aware of the constant stream of caravans and RVs parked in Shire Truckstops and Rest Areas as they venture on their travels. 

“We are also missing out on having these people stop in Parkes or our other satellite towns as they are unable to find suitable parking close to the Shops.

“If a caravanner cannot get parking close to facilities they will continue on to the next township until they can access these facilities.”

Cr McCorkell said neighbouring Shires have addressed the issues through the provision of free or low-cost camping and parking.

“Parkes needs to address this important issue within our Shire”.

Mrs Kelly Hendry (Parkes Tourism Manager) indicated at the meeting that the staff at the Visitor Centre regularly receives considerable feedback from visitors concerning the lack of facilities for RV and Caravan tourists.

“Especially the absence of designated parking areas within close proximity to Clarinda Street for long vehicles,” Mrs Hendry said.

“Council’s Tourism Unit would welcome the formation of a Parkes Shire Council Task Force with interdepartmental and Councillors representation.

“Whilst tourism can promote the shire’s positive aspects in this area when developed, a whole Council approach to getting the facilities established is recommended.”

Council resolved to form a task force to focus on enhancing the RV experience in the Shire.