Dorset Council taking on feedback for camping fees

As of June last year, council resolved to increase annual site fees from $3160 to $3510 and powered and un-powered sites by $5 a night. With the benefit of hindsight, Deputy Mayor Dale Jessup has now said a gradual increase would have been more ideal.

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"We have had a bit of feedback around the concern of the level of increase, especially with the permanent site this year," Cr Jessup said.

"Council probably should have been increasing those fees over the five years instead of increase in one hit. We have gone four years without any increases and we have had one significant increase, which may have been seen as a big hit for people staying at the park".

"We've certainly been increasing our capital spend down at the caravan park over the past few years."

Since 2014, Dorset council has invested $1.6 million in the park, including refurbishment of amenities blocks, substantial vegetation maintenance, internal roads, stormwater drainage, new reception building and entrance and additional sites. This was the first substantial investment in the facility in decades.

Cr Jessup said the Bridport Caravan Park was a popular place for campers and that maintenance was important for the experience of users.

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"Council is keen to make sure that our fees and charges for the caravan park cover the cost of running the park as well," Cr Jessup.

"We have found that since the pandemic came in, we have seen the occupancy rate at the Bridport Caravan Park has been very high compared to previous years.

"With people not being able to travel interstate or internationally, they are travelling at home which is great for smaller Tasmanian communities. We've seen very good patronage at the park over the past 18 months."

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