Tumbarumba Caravan Park Upgrade Gets The Nod

Published on 07 September 2017

Plans for the $2.7 million facelift of the Tumbarumba Creek Caravan Park have been given the nod by Council’s Administrator.

The Development Application for Snowy Valleys Council’s redevelopment project, costed at $2.7 million, was tabled for council approval at the Extraordinary council meeting on Thursday.

Administrator Sullivan considered the independent assessment report for the proposed works and resolved to approve the upmarket renewal of the Tumbarumba Creek Caravan Park.

Director of Strategy, Community and Development Gus Cox tabled an updated version of the plans, which provides for additional soft landscaping and screenings in response to concerns raised by local residents about the aesthetics.

“Ultimately we’re trying to achieve a high standard tourist park for the region,” he said.

The major redevelopment by council comes after a successful funding application through the Stronger Regions Fund in 2016 by the former Tumbarumba Shire Council.

“The Federal Government has provided funds worth $1.037 million towards the project. Council has allocated a further $1 million and the remainder of the upgrade will be funded in partnership with the current lessee who will invest in new cabins and ensuite facilities, as well as undertake renovation work on existing cabins,” Mr Cox said.

The first stage of work, due to commence almost immediately, was the construction of the seasonal worker accommodation facilities, with a completion date of early December.

“Our number one priority is to have the worker accommodation units in place and operational before the local berry season commences in earnest in December. Work on this phase of the upgrade will start almost immediately. At the moment, we’re working on finalising the structural and civil plans for this phase of the project,” Mr Cox said.

The worker accommodations will take the form of two double storey modules to be constructed in the northern section of the park. The dwellings are capable of sleeping up to 120 people and will include laundry units and camp kitchen facilities.

“We’ve been in close liaison with local berry producers, Costas, during the acquisition and planning process for this accommodation. They have advised that early crop estimates are indicating a bumper yield this season, so the additional accommodation is absolutely critical,” he said.

Council remains mindful that the caravan park must remain operational throughout the summer in order to cater for major events such as Tumbafest in February and peak visitation periods during the warmer months.

“Once work on the seasonal worker accommodations is complete, we’ll finalise the planning for the tourist park upgrade phase, and look at starting that work in April 2018, well after the summer tourist rush is over,” Mr Cox said.

The redevelopment work will include an increase in sites from 56 to 99, an upgrade to the park’s entry including relocation of the vehicle entry, boom gates, fencing and signage and improvements to the park reception and residence.

The park will also receive significant upgrades in infrastructure including new internal roads, electricity, sewer, water, stormwater and fire services.

Park users will be able to enjoy improved communal facilities including three new barbeques and sinks, a brand new playground, three fire pits and three camp kitchen/amenity buildings. Renovations will be undertaken on the existing camp kitchen and amenities.

Mr Cox said the ability to increase patronage was important to the region's industry and tourism offer and would be beneficial to the local businesses in Tumbarumba and the wider region