Bass Coast Shire Council has awarded a long-term lease for the Kilcunda Caravan Park, located on the Bass Highway in Kilcunda.
At its February meeting, Councillors endorsed Holiday Retreats Rivergum's bid for the 20-year lease, following an open, transparent and competitive Expression of Interest process to determine the best value tenant to lease and operate the caravan park.
Applicants were evaluated fairly and equally with the process overseen by an external probity auditor.
At the same time, Council also invited submissions on the proposed lease in accordance with section 115 of the Local Government Act 2020 and no submissions were received.
Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan said that Holiday Retreats Rivergum have leased the Kilcunda Caravan Park since November 2007.
"Since then, they have developed a successful holiday park business. They are experienced operators who have presented a long-term vision for the park, backed by a program of capital works," Cr Whelan said.
"Under the new lease, Holiday Retreats Rivergum will invest $1.97 million in the park, to develop new accommodation and to complete upgrades to guest facilities and activity spaces. There will also be ongoing maintenance on the facilities for the next 20 years."
Cr Whelan said importantly, Holiday Retreats Rivergum recognise that the recently created Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park, which the caravan park sits within, presents both an opportunity and responsibility to adopt and engage with the local environment.
"Their vision for the park includes an immersive experience of the Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park that transforms visitors into advocates for nature," Cr Whelan said.
"They have developed an environmental management plan that is aligned to the preservation of the natural environment through sustainable environmental practices and aim to provide accommodation and holiday experiences that are as environmentally sustainable as possible," Cr Whelan concluded.
