Mildura Rural City Councillors endorsed the RV, Caravan and Camping Strategy at last night's Ordinary Council meeting, paving the way for the region to tap into the massive $10 billion sector.
The strategy details a series of short, medium and long-term goals to increase RV, caravan and camping visits to the region, including becoming an RV-friendly town.
Councillor for Economic Development Stefano de Pieri said the Sunraysia region was already well-placed to capitalise on the rapidly growing sector.
"There are already a broad range of RV, caravan and camping facilities across our municipality," Cr de Pieri said.
"Combined with our location between three states, our natural tourist attractions, and strong hospitality industry, we're very well positioned to take the next step in terms of breaking into this lucrative market.
"The strategy we endorsed this week will ensure our region capitalises on this potential.
"This will not only benefit industries directly involved, but the broader community through increased spending in our region."
The strategy aims to:
- Encourage RV, caravan, and camping travellers to visit the municipality
- Enhance visitor experience, increase visitor expenditure and prolong the length of stay
- Respond and adapt to shifting demand patterns, change and industry trends, catering for all users including people with disabilities and those travelling with pets
- Meet and manage the changing needs of a diverse range of travellers
- Develop a consistent approach across the municipality
- Sustainably protect and manage valued assets (natural and cultural)
- Support and enhance local businesses
Red Cliffs Golf Club President Kevin Leach said his club was supportive of the RV, Caravan and Camping Strategy due to the benefits for both Red Cliffs and the broader community.
"This strategy will bring tourists to our whole region as it will provide another reason for visitors with these types of vehicles to stop rather than pass through," Mr Leach said.
"And it's not just the grey nomads. There are now many younger families who are going travelling in RVs for six or 12 months who are really seeking out RV, caravan and parking facilities.
"I know from our travels personally and through visitors to our club, that there is a circuit of towns that RVs and similar vehicles take that passes very close to the Mildura area, but many of them are now going down to Murrayville and straight through to Ouyen and Tooleybuc, which is obviously still positive for those towns.
"But this strategy will help us tap into that market and the regular return visitors, and from our club's perspective, we find that many visitors to Red Cliffs who are staying rather than passing through may stop for hit and a round before leaving."
