The decision to close the Show Ground campsite has been extensively investigated and considered by Council. We feel it is in the community's best interest based on the following reasons:
- Outside of events, the primitive camping ground has extremely low usage, averaging around two campers per night. An economic review of the site showed it was operating at a significant financial loss.
- Council did seek to employ a site manager, but the initial applicant withdrew, and after re-advertising expressions of interest, we did not receive a single response.
- Reviews on Facebook and Hipcamp of users are causing reputational damage to the shire and negatively impacting our promotional efforts to draw visitors to the region.
- Over the past 12-18 months, Council has consulted with the Show Ground Committee, the RSL, Dungog Regional Tourism and the Chamber of Commerce (more recently) on the issues relating to the site.
- Campers and the community have been given seven weeks' notice (from the council meeting to the site's closure). Seven bookings have been honoured, with the last booking leaving in the second week of January. Only two bookings have been cancelled—both of which were contacted personally by Council staff and advised of alternative sites.
- Camping is still permitted during events at the Show Ground, ensuring that key tourism and community activities are not impacted.
- This matter was discussed in a closed session of the Council due to the confidential nature of the third-party financial information provided.
- Part of the resolution made on 20 November was to ensure we investigate other options for another camping site in Dungog. This is currently progressing.
We hope this clarifies why the decision was made and alleviates any concerns that it was a quick decision that did not include consultation and investigation.
If you would like to know more about the other six campsite locations in our shire, please visit:
https://www.dungog.nsw.gov.au/Community/Approved-CaravanCamping-Ground-locations-in-Dungog-Shire
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