SOUTHERN Downs Regional councillor Jamie Mackenzie has given notice of motion to overturn a resolution passed at the November general meeting.
The resolution was to install honesty boxes at free camping sites at Dalveen and Allora – an idea Cr Mackenzie has labelled “financially irresponsible”.
“On some council matters, we seem to go around in circles like grey nomads traversing Australia,” Cr Mackenzie said.
“In August this year, council resolved to retain free camping at Allora and Dalveen and now it has resolved to seek payment from campers.
“Being contrary to an earlier resolution is one thing, but the idea of honesty boxes at council-run camping grounds like Washpool Reserve at Leslie Dam is financially irresponsible, in my view, for a public entity.
“This move will increase the risk of vandalism in small communities and heightens an administration for staff handling cash out of the office,” Cr Mackenzie said.
“We have not been told the set-up costs nor the on-going costs of honesty boxes for what will only be a donation.
“We will miss out on income. I doubt it will be worthwhile for council and will certainly not address our massive debts.
“In my view, we need to establish lots of roadside camping spots across the Southern Downs, especially in small centres away from commercial caravan parks.
“Ideally these could be handed to community groups to make money for local facilities and not as a burden to ratepayers.
“This would save council money, enhancing the tourist industry.
“The travelling public is the world’s biggest industry and we welcome seasonal agricultural workers to the region from across the world.
“We need a friendlier image to positively encourage the grey nomads and backpackers.
“This is a small but continuous contribution to a more diversified economy,” Cr Mackenzie said.
“Once here, travellers stay longer.
“We are uniquely positioned in a corner of the bush just over the hills from Brisbane, the Gold Coast and the Northern Rivers fruit bowl,” Cr Mackenzie said.
“Low cost camping presents opportunities to promote the Southern Downs’s fabulous climate, history and local produce as a complement to what is on offer at nearby icons of Byron Bay, Tenterfield and Toowoomba.
“Our point of difference includes our agriculture and tourism with rich soils, scenic mountains, history and the cool, clean mountain air,” Cr Mackenzie said.
