Be interesting to see how this pans out, it seems though that the Caravan Industry is still pushing for more cabins and bells and whistles than catering for grey nomads, although the increased dump points will be an advantage.
The shortage of parks up north because of the mining boom etc needs urgent attention for the touring nomads etc. See;
Interesting. Something I remember negatively about WA (and SA) is the lack of toilets at rest stops, and the evidence left by other travellers that toilets are NEEDED!
I can only comment on WA as I have yet to take the van out of state, but I wonder wether my observations are common to all states. I travel with a 22 foot van and use Camps 6 and a guide called 'priceless campsites and rest areas' as my reference for places to stop. Anyone who has travelled WA knows overnight stopping areas are few and far between and I feel that this can be off-putting for anyone travelling this marvelous state.
What I have noticed is there is no shortage of parking spots on the roadside. These are usually simple one lane pull ins and although I have seen caravaners using them as overnight stops I wouldn't. It only needs one tired truckie to pull in and not see the caravans reflectors for a disaster to happen.
Why not extend these pull ins so you have spots for caravans to stop for the night. Surely it's not a cost concern. In WA most of these parking spots are in bush areas where land is not a problem. As far as I can asertain it's a case of who takes responsibilty. Is it Main Roads WA or the local council.
I can only hope that the minister, Kim Hames, is serious about bringing more out of state dollars into the state through tourism, but I'm sceptical. After all it's not long to our state elections and he also has the problems of being Minister for Health to keep him busy.
The government did a survey awhile back and all interested parties could make comment and suggestions etc, this included RV travellers as well as those in the industry etc. They are probably trying to please everybody so don't envy their job, they will be damned if they do and damed if they don't.
This is the WA Government guide to rest areas in WA (and also it has a link to the National public toilets) and I notice it has a feedback form attached for anyone who wants to give them feedback etc on the rest stops, see;