Families and holiday makers in Polwarth who enjoy caravanning and camping will benefit from $1.3 million in Brumby Government funding to upgrade facilities and improve environmental standards in caravan parks and camping areas.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today called for applications to Round 3 of the Crown Land Caravan and Camping Parks Improvement Program.
“The grants are part of the Brumby Government’s $4.8 million, four-year grant program to support Crown Land caravan and camping park managers to provide improved access and facilities for Polwarth families and holiday makers,” Ms Tierney said.
“Last year’s grants and those to be awarded this year focus primarily on enhancing the efficiency and environmental sustainability of caravan and camping park operations.
“This initiative has already seen remarkable results in water and energy saving across the state’s caravan parks and camping grounds, contributing to the national effort on environmental sustainability.
“A lot has been achieved through the grants over the past two years including revegetation works, installation of water tanks, upgrades to power and waste systems and the development of new and improved park management plans.
“I encourage caravan and camping park committees of management across Victoria to submit applications for the grants which will help to improve holiday experiences for all Victorians.
“Camping and caravanning is part of Australian culture and to continue this affordable and fun tourism experience, we need to ensure our parks keep up with visitor demand.”
Objectives of the Crown Land Caravan and Camping Parks Improvement program include:
• Improving availability of caravan and camping sites;
• Improving the standards of facilities at camping and caravan parks and grounds;
• Improving overall environmental performance of caravan parks and grounds; and,
• Encouraging planning for better management.
Last year, 44 of Victoria’s Crown Land camping and caravan parks received grants of up to $90,000 each. These included:
– $35,458 for the sewage treatment plant at Kennett River Caravan Park
– $19,327 for hot water services upgrades at the Apollo Bay Cricket and Recreational Reserve
– $5,000 for sewage connection; Amenities and Facilities improvements at Skenes Creek Caravan Park
– $8,548.20 for the camp kitchen refurdichment at the Apollo Bay Cricket and Recreational Reserve
– $18,200 for upgrades to amenities, water saving and picnic shelter at Meridith Park, Lake Colac
– $ 20,000 for a site concept design study at Port Campbell Recreational Reserve
– $37,273 for a camp kitchen at Lakes and Craters Holiday Park in Camperdown
This year’s round of applications are open until 13 June 2008.
Committees of Management and park managers can make an application by sending an email to caravan.project@dse.vic.gov.au or by calling the Department of Sustainability and Environment Customer Service Centre on 136 186.