This could be an opening for an experienced couple .... and just may be the beginning of another excellent camping spot losing its "free" status.
Managers sought for loss-making parks
A NSW council is looking for managers to run its loss-making caravan parks. Lachlan Shire Council's two caravan parks, one of which operates in competition with a popular free-camping area, have shown an annual deficit of about $300,000. But despite this, the authority has rejected a consultant's recommendation to levy a $20-a-night fee for overnighting at Gum Bend Lake camping area near the flood-prone Riverview Caravan Park in Condobolin. The consultants, Australian Tourist Park Management, had suggested the camping fee should equal that charged for an unpowered site at Riverview. A council report said the Gum Bend Lake facility was in direct competition with Riverview Caravan Park, agreeing that on any given day it would have more campers than at the park. And it admitted: "If council proceed with the proposed contract management of the caravan park, free camping will create conflict as the remuneration package of the park manager contains a profit sharing component." The council has been operating caravan parks since the early 1970s, gradually upgrading them through the years with facilities such as a manager's home, disabled facilities, BBQ shelters and cabins. Its other park, Lakeview Caravan Park, is located at Lake Cargelligo, about 98km west of Condobolin. The council is seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified caravan park managers who could work with it to take one or both parks "to the next level". "If you are highly motivated, deliver outstanding customer service, have demonstrated skills in operating similar facilities and have what it takes to continue to grow either one of both of these highly regarded parks then we want to hear from you," its advertising material says. Expressions of interest close at 4pm on August 9
Cheers - John
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2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 SE Auto - 2008 23ft Golden Eagle Hunter Some people feel the rain - the others just get wet - Bob Dylan
I commend that council for keeping the campground open and free, even though it costs them in lost business to their caravan park, also costs them to pay people to clean up. Wish them luck in keeping both going.
For those of you who haven't experienced the hospitality of Condobolin and in particular Gum Bend Lake campground, I have included a couple of pics below.
It is a very popular campground, hot showers, flushing toilets, town water at a central tap, no time limit, fires allowed, dogs allowed on leash but no charge and no power.
I have frequented this campground on a number of occasions as it is one of my favourites and it is certainly very popular. It certainly has much more patronage than the van parks in the area.
I was last there in April this year and it was difficult to find a space that was not within 5meters of another van/camper/motorhome.
The free camping areas at Lake Cargelligo also are well patronised at the expense of the van park. I have stayed at the Lakeview van park and found it basic but good - and a good price. Frog Hollow camp area with no charge has no facilities but excellent views across the lake.
I sympathise with the Shire and wonder how they can possibly overcome the plight of the van parks at Condobolin and/or Lake Cargelligo.
Perhaps it might be a better idea if the council chose different consultants for the review. Australian Tourist Park Management should be anticipated to hold some degree of bias when it comes to free camps.
Love those photos Rockylizard, makes me want to go there.......today.
I stayed at the park in Condo a few years back, unfortunately it was in the middle of a mice plague so things were a bit on the nose. Apart from that the park was well kept clean and reasonably priced.
From memory Lake Cargelligo and Condo both cost about $100 a week and no one can say that is unreasonable. Both towns are small but friendly.
I hope the council can do something to make the parks more attractive. I wonder how many people would still stay at gum bend lake if they were asked for a donation, maybe $10 per night the same as Theresa Creek
Not knowing all the facts regarding why the c/van park lost $300.000 at the rate payers expense,and then more expense paying for the
consultants,to tell them what to do regarding the free camps, and then not to follow the recommendations.
It makes me wonder are these councillors on planet earth.
It maybe a better business proposition on all parties involved in this saga is to close the unprofitable caravan park down,sell the land and start to charge a low cost no frills camp /stop over where they have the free camps set up now. As with a few different free camps to chose from in a very short distance, one wonders why anyone would want to pay for a over night stop at the caravan park, as good as it might be.
But reading a little regarding the caravan park in the annual council report the toilet/shower/ laundry block requires a new building erected.
And calling for new managers on a contract basis, they said would save them money due a set wage with no over time wages to pay out and a number of other things.It would be mission impossible to make this type of park make money.
We have stayed at both in Condo and Enjoyed both .
We could have a solution albeit probably not too popular.
As has been done in some other towns that have this sort of thing let the Caravan park manager, manage both locations and set a small fee of $5 per night at the Gum Bend camping with a limit of say three days stay.
This way those that use Gum Bend contribute some cash to the upkeep and cleaning of toilets.
Then those who want/need power use the caravan park.
Tara Qld comes to mind and also Jericho although Jericho is a donation .
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I was tired yesterday and I'm tired today betcha I'm retired tomorrow. he he.
Yes I have no qualm's at paying a small donation or fee at places like these, look at Theodore in Qld right on the river and a donation required for the lions club with showers and toilets. Devils Marbles, $3.30 per person per night, only drop toilets but cleaned by a ranger every day, and what a view. Wagga right near the river and free, Hay right on the river and free both spots have toilets, Carcoar dam Free with toilets and showers one could go on and on. I would rather pay a small fee towards lions/ apex etc any day to stay at places like these rather than the inflated price at van parks.
