Council eyes new park cash stream

A CARAVAN park cash stream could deliver millions of dollars to Loddon Shire over the next two decades.

The shire has puts its caravan parks at Bridgewater and Wedderburn out for expressions of interest. Leases up to 21 years have been offered with capital improvements reverting to council ownership when agreements expire.

Benalla-based Tower Business and Real Estate, a caravan park specialist, has been appointed agent for the process.

Towe currently has caravan parks at Redesdale and Stawell listed for long-term lease at prices above $1 million.

Bridgewater and Wedderburn parks are currently operated for council in management agreements.

Wendy and Tim James, who have a long-term lease on Boort Holiday Park, have been managing the 75-site Bridgewater park for three years. Council bought caravan park land at Bridgewater and Wedderburn in 2018 from the State Government.

Council executive services officer Christine Coombes said: “The leases are two separate leases, advertised concurrently.

A potential lessee is able to express interest in one or both parks.”

An expression of interest information pack says council wants prospective bidders with demonstrated expertise and capacity to successfully operate, maintain and improve the caravan parks to put forward a detailed commercial offer to the management, development and operation of the parks in a professional manner .

“There is substantial opportunity to increase each of the parks’ revenue and profitably. The rates currently charged are considered to be below competitors’ rates, and there are opportunities for the introduction of new cabin accommodation and facilities at both of the sites.”

Council says it wants to maximise the financial and economic stimulus to Council and the community by leasing the parks.

Ms Coombes said the Bridgewater leaseholder would also be required to maintain part of the Loddon River foreshore at Bridgewater. Leaseholders will also market the caravan parks to lift bookings.

Loddon councillors voted last year to lease out the parks.

District takes water case to new MP

CAMPBELLS Forest has renewed its push for a secure water supply and wants the three State Government MPs in the district to back its bid. Members of the community action planning group took their call to new Ripon MP Martha Haylett on Friday.

President Toni Shea said meetings would also be sought with Bendigo East MP and Deputy Premier Jacinta Allan and Bendigo West’s Maree Edwards.

“Secure water is the No 1 priority in our community plan and we will be asking all