WAGGA could potentially lose its attraction with the booming tourism market in recreational vehicles (RVs) and campervans if a Wagga City Council recommendation is approved next week.
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On Tuesday, council is expected to decide on a proposal which could see Wilks Park open to only self-contained travellers for a period of 72 hours before facing fines; limiting the number of travellers staying on site; placing conditions on rubbish dumping; and not allowing “inappropriate users” to camp at the site.
However, current users of Wilks Park believe the move would have a hard-hitting impact on word-of-mouth recommendations for travellers to stop in Wagga, even if council applied to be labelled as an “RV Friendly Town”.
Riverina towns like Narrandera, Lockhart, Griffith, Coleambally, Leeton and Hay are enjoying the tourism-drawing classification of being an “RV Friendly Town” created and maintained by the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA), but Wagga City Council has opted to hold off on applying for the status since June 2010. Council Riverside project manager James Bolton confirmed council had been invited to apply, but was waiting until Wilks Park and the Riverside project had solid direction.
“Until council resolved the use of Wilks Park, we won’t be applying for the scheme just yet,” Mr Bolton said.
“At the time the Riverside masterplan had just been adopted and given there was no formal use there was no position to apply.”
Wagga would still be eligible to become an RV-friendly town if the recommendations are approved, but the reputation of Wagga as a good place to stay and explore could be damaged, according to current users of the park.
Former Wagga residents, now travellers, Ray and Helen Sheather believe Wagga already has a good reputation through camping books and word-of-mouth, but it could be on the line if changes are made to the arrangements currently available at Wilks Park.
They believe ligitimate users of the park may be discouraged from using the park altogether in light of the short-term stay rule.
“In places like Tumbarumba, they want you to come and stay as long as possible,” Mr Sheather said.
“Places have built big camp kitchens to encourage people to stay. It’d be good to have a ranger come around check on things and chat with people about Wagga and what they can do and see.”
“The other night there were 31 vans here with people who were staying to spend money in town on repairs, having doctors appointments, buying fuel and food. That speaks for itself.
“(The time limit) will impact on that. Wagga won’t lose eveyone, but it will see the numbers cut down.”
