Caravan park owner venting ,not good

The Hats · Senior Member

Caravan park owner venting ,not good

Vic41 · Guru

Good to take note of the businesses that have signed the letter at the bottom in support of the cp owner, and like he suggests take your business to Biloela instead, sounds like they don't want the RV business either.

Rich People with Motorhomes? Apparently he has never heard of retirement super at the end of their working lives or selling their homes to get their RV.

It will be interesting to see what happens now. hmm

clarence · Veteran Member

Amazing, the people who support this letter are the same people who would benefit from a town full of free parking motorhomes and caravans tyreshops, towing , mechanics, and pie shops.

vic

landy · Guru

I had a small business for years, and as such I invested money and made business decisions on a regular basis.
If I made good decisions, I made money, if I made bad decisions I lost it (my fault). I'm sure a lot of you have done the same.
The secret I found is you must give the customer what they want, or they will go somewhere else. I think some park owners need to learn the same lesson and stop blaming others for their mistakes.
Landy

Lorries · Veteran Member

Thank you for sharing the post but it would have been good if you gave attribution to the person/s site you took this from as you have copied their words exactly as the lead up to the story

It came from our site here https://www.facebook.com/Freechoicecamping

For those who may be interested this has been our biggest story to date.

I feel sorry for the town as it isn't too bad a place but it is a bit like blackmail what has occurred here.

-- Edited by Lorries on Tuesday 24th of June 2014 06:56:43 AM

-- Edited by Lorries on Tuesday 24th of June 2014 08:24:40 AM

scooner · Veteran Member

Australia is a big place we will just bypass this town ,i wonder if all big 4 cps agree with this ?

tezza · Senior Member

maybe contact park directly and mention the fact that that we can read and are not impressed with his letter and tell him he may be better off trying to attract people to his park rather than force them to go somewhere else.

rastas · Senior Member

Once again we are seeing a caravan park owner thinking only of himself. We are at present in Monto house sitting and spending money in town. We are disapointed to think that these businesses we have been supporting are prepared the to put their names to this article. We have noticed that there is many caravans stop in town and surely these businesses benefit from them. The lady in the information centre certainly does not support them in their quest to ban free camping. Like all country towns they need all the support they can get as many are struggling to survive.

Rastas

-- Edited by rastas on Tuesday 24th of June 2014 08:00:55 AM

Cloak · Guru

These operators might consider the $AUS that leaves the country every time someone goes to Bali or Fiji.

At least we keep the local economies going.

Another town on the bypass list along with ALL Big4 enterprises.

Bugsy · Veteran Member

Perhaps Rastas you could go around those businesses in town who signed and refer them to the Freedom of Choice link so they can read what they have done. Would be good if the Chamber of Commerce was aware also.

Roving-Dutchy · Guru

When I read this rant I thought at first the owner of Big 4 Cania gorge was up in arms about the council opening up free camping close to his park, but in no way is this the case, the places mentioned in his rant are nowhere nearby.

I have in my travels come across park owners that are, I believed more than justified in the complaints about free camping when council wants to open up an area alongside their park.

I also think it is wrong for councils to set up free camping in a town where there are already caravan parks setup, but more than happy to see free sites setup away from towns.

No one I believe would be happy to see free facilities offered alongside their already established business.

Cheers

David

glassies · Guru

It baffles me why they carry it like this !! What is wrong with people there are still
Literaly thousands out there who will never free camp no matter how safe it seems they just
Dont like the idea gees ive met a lot of people travelling and not one of them free camps
And each to there own,heaven help a caravN park owner ever saying anything to me as
My tongue will be out of control lol

-- Edited by glassies on Tuesday 24th of June 2014 09:22:30 AM

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

This is an interesting letter, and stand, by the Big4 at Cania Gorge.

It has been mentioned above but here are some facts about the area.

The R M Williams Centre is at Eidsvold - 106km from Cania Gorge.

Wuruma Dam near Eidsvold - 90km from Cania Gorge.

Biloela is 104km from Cania Gorge.

I doubt visitors to Cania Gorge would stay at Eidsvold, Wuruma Dam or Biloela and commute to Cania Gorge.

There is a van park at Monto - council run $30/night power. Monto is 30km from the Big4 - a possible commute.

The Top Tourist van park at Cania Gorge (you pass it on the way to the Big4) is $30-$40/night (less Top Tourist discount) and pay 6-stay 7.

This Big4 Park at Cania Gorge (making the noise) is $38-$75/night. Nothing on their website about discounts.

If lack of patronage is what is driving their campaign perhaps they need to consider their prices which may not be attracting the majority of travellers.

I have been through Monto and surrounds many times. I have always found Monto folk friendly and apparently welcoming of we travellers. Always willing to chat and give advice about the area.

As others have suggested as well - I am nonplussed why the businesses in Monto signed the letter/advert. Surely they can see past the hand in front of their face. Travellers should be ENCOURAGED - not driven away. It will impact those businesses much more than the Big4 park if we bypass the town.

Cheers - John

tezza n tomoko · Veteran Member

Re this stupid letter, I can not see what good this letter will do it sounds like this fool is trying to blackmail the council and he himself and the foolish businesses that signed this letter will only lose out how can a pie shop a café a grocery store a salon a tyre shop etc lose out on business by people free camping, this stupid attitude will do more harm to them if they don't want the RICH retirees or travelling families to spend time and money in MONTO then they are foolish bussines people this park owner is only thinking of himself and making his money so maybe one day he may buy a caravan /motorhome and utilise free camps around the country I certainly hope I NEVER meet him and his idiotic attitude he should not be involved in tourism as he is the worst representative I have seen, the only bussines I can see that signed this letter that may not make money from travellers is the sand and gravel man how he possibly lose money by people free camping ----arghhhhh

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

I sent this email to the Southern Burnett Times and to Mr Rankin at the Big4 Van Park. Should either reply I will post it.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: rockylizard@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sent: Tuesday, 24 June 2014 11:19 AM

To: 'editorial@southburnetttimes.com.au'

Cc: 'info@caniagorge.com.au'

Subject: Travellers and Monto businesses

Gday...

The link below contains comments pertaining to an advertisement taken by the Big4 Cania Gorge Van Park in your paper on 29 May 2014.

I felt you may be interested in the comments the link contains and perhaps it may broaden the perspective that is being put forward by Peter Rankin.

It is Mr Rankins right to take any stance on any issue he chooses and to put forward his view. However, it is difficult to understand the stand he has taken on the camping preferences of travellers through the South Burnett Region. Even if travellers choose not to stay at his van park for whatever reason, one would think the businesses in the region particularly those in Monto would welcome additional travellers, whether they only stopover for a break or to spend a night or two in the area.

It is the role of council is to ensure that the use of ratepayers money is sensibly spent and apart from the provision of services to ratepayers, it is incumbent on councillors to foster the viability of businesses and the growth and health of the Monto Shire and region.

There is considerable evidence to suggest grey nomads spend money in small towns on food, fuel, repairs, etc even if not staying in a van park within that town but camping elsewhere in the region.

http://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t57901430/caravan-park-owner-venting-not-good/

If you have read this far, and viewed the link, then I thank you for your time.

I hope the Monto area continues to prosper and welcome travellers.

[signed: my full name and contact details]

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cheers - John

Legendts · Senior Member

Well put and I'm sending a similar response. I'm thoroughly fed up with these parks/owners/managers that think every grey nomad is "RICH" what a load of bull! He hasn't a clue to the damage he and those that signed it are doing to the area. Ridiculous!

Cruising Cruze · Guru

No wonder he feels threatened He is trying all ready for nearly 3 years to sell his place with no luck

An better place to stay and were they make you feel welcome is the one first off the highway on the same road

http://www.caniagorgeretreat.com.au/
Its a great place quiet clean, lovely facilities.

Cheers John

Bugsy · Veteran Member

There has been a massive response to this advertisement all over the internet with various FB pages and forums all running with the story. i only hope it does not damage the town because to the stupid actions of one individual who no doubt encouraged others to sign by spinning them his story.

I have written to the local paper and various local organisations telling them what damage he has done. Just hope they listen. In fact once organisation is having a meeting tonight

"June meeting of Monto Magic Tourism Action Group tomorrow Tuesday 24 June. 7.30pm at the Function Room Community (Town)Hall Newton Street. Please come along with lots of suggestions on how we can encourage all the tourist vans passing through at the moment to stay a few more days. Please pass this on to your fb friends."

Pete in Gisborne · Veteran Member

Pity the caravan parks didn't consider the local motel owners when they reduced the park sites to put in cabins. A lot of parks we frequent are reducing powered sites to as little as possible to erect more cabins. They don't seem to be a cheaper alternative to some local motels.

the rocket · Guru

clarence wrote:
Amazing, the people who support this letter are the same people who would benefit from a town full of free parking motorhomes and caravans tyreshops, towing , mechanics, and pie shops.

vic

ditto

the rocket · Guru

landy wrote:
I had a small business for years, and as such I invested money and made business decisions on a regular basis.
If I made good decisions, I made money, if I made bad decisions I lost it (my fault). I'm sure a lot of you have done the same.
The secret I found is you must give the customer what they want, or they will go somewhere else. I think some park owners need to learn the same lesson and stop blaming others for their mistakes.
Landy

ditto

the rocket · Guru

Cruising Cruze wrote:
No wonder he feels threatened He is trying all ready for nearly 3 years to sell his place with no luck
An better place to stay and were they make you feel welcome is the one first off the highway on the same road

http://www.caniagorgeretreat.com.au/
Its a great place quiet clean, lovely facilities.

ah. the plot fairly thickens

Cheers John

exa41 · Guru

I thought "UNDER THE DOME" was a TV show but obviously it is live and well in Monto , all too many times do we see the minority trying to bully the majority . If this bloke has spent so many thousands of dollars on this establishment, has he got a money tree hidden out of sight or is he reaping the benefits from overcharging clientele or what , what is a pity that other businesses that will reap the wrath of travellers, mainly us . I worked fifty years like so many of us on this forum to get where I am and I can tell you all that we don't need these people to live our life.

Lorries · Veteran Member

Big 4 Holiday Parks have posted this response on https://www.facebook.com/Freechoicecamping

"BIG4 Holiday Parks holds an apolitical view in regard to free camping.

We are marketing franchise. Our purpose is to promote the attractive offerings of the 180+ BIG4 Holiday Parks located across Australia.

However, we appreciate that people want all sorts of options in regard to their enjoyment of the great outdoors and that they have the right to choose options that suit them.

BIG4 Holiday Parks was not aware that its brand was being included in the advertisement placed by Peter Rankin from Cania Gorge Holiday Park on 23rd June 2014 in the Central and North Burnett Times.

BIG4 Holiday Parks would like to assert it does not share the views of Peter Rankin and we are disappointed that this branded advertisement was placed without consultation.

This action it is not in the spirit of our organisation and we are discussing this directly with the individual park involved.

Acting CEO
Kari Hunter"

Good to see such a stand by Big 4

ken thomas · Guru

About time the main organisation had their say
Big 4 are still too dear and do not cater to the grey nomads
Ken

The Hats · Senior Member

I have sent this email to all the businesses that singed the letter

And snail main to those that do not have a listed email addy. biggrin

thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t57901430/caravan-park-owner-venting-not-good/
www.facebook.com/Freechoicecamping

G/Day, To Whom it may concern
Please read this forum topic and this facebook page and see the damage you people have done to your town, speaking for my wife and I, we free camp about 50-50 with parks not to save money we just like camping in the bush, when we do free camp we spend the money we save in the small towns at places like yours and all the other business that have added the signatures to this rant by peter Rankin. this one bloke has damaged Monto in a big way, we will not support your town unless the Grey Nomads get and apology from you people,

Our so called million dollar life style has Peter Rankin puts it is insulting and wrong my wife and I have worked hard for 40 + years and have sacrificed allot to roam this wonderful land instead of spending our money over seas we spend it here in small towns, There are many small towns and villages that would die without the Grey Nomads roaming this land spending there hard earned money. here.
I will be emailing all the business that singed the letter and so will many others
Cheers
The Hats

-- Edited by The Hats on Tuesday 24th of June 2014 06:12:18 PM

the rocket · Guru

Travelling north soon and just looked at our maps. North to Ban Ban springs turn right to Childers. Childers can have my money when we stop over. Rocket n Strop. No need to go anywhere near Monto.

jetj · Guru

Bugsy wrote:
There has been a massive response to this advertisement all over the internet with various FB pages and forums all running with the story. i only hope it does not damage the town because to the stupid actions of one individual who no doubt encouraged others to sign by spinning them his story.

I have written to the local paper and various local organisations telling them what damage he has done. Just hope they listen. In fact once organisation is having a meeting tonight

"June meeting of Monto Magic Tourism Action Group tomorrow Tuesday 24 June. 7.30pm at the Function Room Community (Town)Hall Newton Street. Please come along with lots of suggestions on how we can encourage all the tourist vans passing through at the moment to stay a few more days. Please pass this on to your fb friends."

I also hope it doesn't damage the town. Obviously the area is trying to attract nomads with free camping. It would be a shame if a few businesses stopped others in the area from benefiting.

barrie · Guru

Big4's is a miss for us I stay at the C/P before that place as it is cheaper and more friendly ,The Big4 at cania gorge is a fishing camp and is rowdy and noisey at the weekends .

Bryan · Guru

Its always the few who spoil it for the majority. They sure will miss out on the grey nomads dollar.

Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.