Glen Cromie Caravan Park will come under new management on Tuesday 25 August after Council awarded a 21-year lease at Wednesday night's Council meeting.
New leaseholders Mary and Mark Shattock were appointed following an extensive Expression of Interest (EOI) campaign that was overseen by CRE Business Brokers on behalf of Council.
The EOI campaign attracted a high level of interest, with seven formal applications received. Following a formal inspection and interview process, all candidates were invited to detail their financial position and provide a business model and vision for the park.
At its 22 April 2020 meeting, Council advised its intent to enter a 21-year lease with its preferred applicant and invited submissions under Section 223 of the Local Government Act 1989.
Eight submissions were received and were heard by Council at its 10 June meeting. During the hearing of submissions, concerns were raised concerning the process undertaken by Council.
Following the hearing of submissions, Council through its Audit and Risk Committee commissioned an independent external audit of the lease awarding process. The audit found that there were adequate records and evidence to support the decision to award the lease to the Shattocks, who received the highest score of 91 per cent in the internal and independent scoring matrix.
The Shattocks are Baw Baw Shire residents who have lived and worked in the region for the past 30 years. They plan to carry out a range of improvements throughout the park, including delivering capital upgrades to the amenities as soon as practicable.
Established in the late 1800s, Glen Cromie is one of the oldest caravan parks in Australia. It was originally established on the crown land reserve adjacent to the Tarago River, but in 1945 two parcels either side of the reserve were acquired by the Shires of Warragul and Buln Buln.
The 35-acre park offers 60 powered and 60 unpowered sites, along with a popular day visitor area.
As stated by Mayor Cr Danny Goss
"Following an extensive selection process, Council is sure that this much-loved accommodation facility will be in good hands. As a popular attraction for locals and visitors the region, we look forward to seeing this asset improve, offering a high standard of accommodation year-round."
As stated by Cr Keith Cook
"Caravan parks through Victoria have been doing it tough due to COVID-19, however, I believe as we get through this situation our tourism industry will be stronger than ever. Glen Cromie is a gem in a valley and will continue to prosper under new management."
As stated by Cr Mikaela Power
"The audit of the submission process provided Council with extra information to ensure we made a decision in the best interests of our community, and recommendations to continue to improve our processes. I wish the new operators every success at Glen Cromie Caravan Park."
As stated by Cr Michael Leaney
"Having good operators in place at this popular facility is very important in the future of tourism in Baw Baw Shire. We look forward to seeing Glen Cromie go from strength-to-strength to deliver a great experience for visitors to our Shire."
As stated by Cr Tricia Jones
"The Shattocks have a proven track record that gives Council a strong level of assurance that the park will professionally be managed and well-maintained. The 21-year lease also represents additional revenue for Council, while improving a highly valued community asset."
