Caravan Park Upgrade - Lorne
About this page
Information about the proposed upgrade of the Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park.
Background
In early 2009, GORCC submitted an application to the State Government seeking approval (in accordance with the Crown Land Reserves Act) to borrow $9m to deliver the full upgrade of the Torquay and Lorne Foreshore Caravan Parks over the ensuing two years. Whilst the park upgrades have received relevant State Government approvals, the borrowing application was not successful as it was considered inappropriate for GORCC to borrow funds for the full cost of the upgrade (which includes approximately $6m in infrastructure works and $3m in new cabins for the two caravan parks).
As a result, GORCC has now revised its plans to deliver the park upgrades, focusing on staging the works in both the Torquay and Lorne Foreshore Caravan Parks over the next 10 years, instead of the 2-3 years previously proposed. GORCC intends to allocate up to $1m per annum of its funds over the next 10 years to deliver the upgrade, supported by State Government grants and borrowings for new cabins (see below).
2010 Proposed Upgrade Works
GORCC proposes to focus our 2010 upgrade works in Lorne on improvements in the Kia Ora camp ground.
Pending final planning and approvals, we hope to be able to construct a new amenity block at Kia Ora in 2010, which will also require some roadwork and camp site re-alignment. Other services improvements, including boom gates at Kia Ora, will also be included.
Other upgrade works are also proposed to be undertaken in 2010 but won’t be finalised until an application to borrow funds to purchase and install new cabins is considered.
Ten new cabins are proposed for Kia Ora along the river bank and at the rear of the park, adjacent to the existing amenity block. These will replace the ageing cabins in those areas.
A number of camp sites will be affected if we are able to proceed with this work, including those currently occupied by ‘annuals’ (12 month permit holders). We will work closely will all campers to assist with any changes needed. There is sufficient time to enable this work to be completed in a methodical and sensible timeframe.
No final decision on cabin purchasing has been made, pending the outcome of the finance application. If this approval is granted, GORCC hopes to be able to purchase up to 10 cabins in 2010. If not, we will purchase a smaller number next year using our available cash resources.
Proposed Caravan Park Access Policy
GORCC is awaiting the release by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) of a new State Government policy pertaining to access to Crown land caravan parks. We will discuss this issue further with the Lorne Campers Reference Group once the new access policy is finalised.
I apologise for the delay in confirming our upgrade plans for 2010. Please be assured however that I will provide further information as soon as details are confirmed. If you have any questions regarding the caravan park upgrade, please contact Richard Davies or myself on 5220 5055.
On behalf of everyone at GORCC, I wish you a merry Christmas and all the best for 2010!