It is always a bit sad to see a small town going under, especially through lack of patronage
I always spend in the nearest town, to any free camp I stay at
From age 20 to 31, I lived in a town of perhaps a bit less than 100 adult people
It was a company town, therefore full employment, for iron ore or railway people
Those of us who adapted, mucked in, and done our bit, to assist the town, had a feeling of belonging, and stayed long term Those who for whatever reasons did not adapt, saved a few dollars, and then moved on
I have an opinion, so I could be wrong
The small towns need patronage, for their businesses to survive A lot of Grey Nomad age travellers, have a fixed income and can not afford caravan parks, seven days a week If the small towns were to give an area, with drinking water, and a dump point, they may get (not so rich) travellers, to stay in that area, and spend what little money they have
One town that sadly looks like it has passed the point of no return is the small farming community of Alford, at the top of South Australia's Yorke Peninsula. I spent a few days at the free camp there last week, located on the site of the former primary school which was closed at the end of 2004 and has since been demolished. In its place is a free camp that would put many others to shame - clean, well-kept toilets, dump point and fresh water, playground area for the kids, electric BBQ, a couple of Hills Hoist clotheslines and plenty of room for small or big rigs on the adjacent but now redundant footy/cricket ground. The local 'Progress" association keeps the site going from donations left by campers who have nowhere to spend their money in the town itself. The general store looks like its doors were permanently shut a while ago, while the pub and even the church are closed and have "For Sale" signs out the front. Seems the only business still operating is the bowling club, but that's only from October to March. The nearest towns of Kadina and Wallaroo are about 20km away and seem to be doing rather well.
Joe
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Hino Rainbow motorhome conversion towing a Daihatsu Terios
Was at Alford about a month ago. Great place to stay. When the bowling club shuts the golf course opens 5.00 a game. Man came round a gave everyone there a huge bunch of sultana grapes for nothing, tried to give us more, another man was selling fresh eggs for 3.00.
