East Gippsland Shire Council will revisit RV (Recreational Vehicle) Friendly accreditation for Orbost in the New Year.

Following recent consultation with the community, which included 27 survey responses and a submission from the Orbost and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Council will first, in the short term, focus on the continued leasing and operation of the Orbost Caravan Park.

Council’s General Manager Place and Community Stuart McConnell thanked everyone who provided feedback on the proposal for Orbost to seek RV Friendly accreditation.

“There was strong support for Orbost to seek RV Friendly accreditation, but there was even stronger support for the need for the ongoing viability of the commercial caravan park in Orbost,” Mr McConnell said.

“The Orbost Caravan Park is leased from Council and the current lease is due to conclude later this year. The caravan park has indicated that it is closed for maintenance from 1 June 2023 with a reopening date to be advised.

“Recognising the community feedback about the importance of the caravan park, Council’s priority will be to ensure arrangements are in place for the ongoing, viable operation of the caravan park before we revisit the opportunities RV Friendly accreditation.”

Mr McConnell said, on the balance of survey responses, there is not support for additional free camping in Orbost and the use of Forest Park for this purpose was also not supported.

“The survey indicated support for RV Friendly accreditation based on Marlo Road camping and stays at the Orbost Club Hotel (Bottom Pub),” he said.

“Council recognises the importance of RVs, caravanning and camping to the visitor economy of Orbost and surrounds. We will continue to support this by focussing on the arrangements for the Orbost Caravan Park in the first instance and further considering RV Friendly accreditation in the New Year.”

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