Published on Thursday, 11 August 2016 at 12:00:00 AM
The opening of a free RV dumping station in the CBD could potentially boost the local economy by more than $15 million annually whilst bringing the City is one step closer to gaining RV-Friendly status.
Along with the RV dumping station in the Francis Street car park the City has also recently introduced a limited number of 24hour dedicated RV and camper van parking in the same car park.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn said Council has been working towards becoming more RV friendly for over five years.
“Being RV-Friendly City has been a Council aspiration since 2011 and since then the City has been working steadily towards achieving this goal,” he said.
“The decision to place an RV dumping station in the CBD rather than on the highway will give visitors a reason to drive into our City rather than just pass through.
“Once they see our beautiful Foreshore, Esplanade and WA’s best Youth Precinct they may decide to stay longer and spend more money.
“By capturing just those visitors who currently bypass our City we can realistically increase overnight stays by 50%, resulting in an estimated $9.5 million boost per year to our local economy,” said Mayor Van Styn.
“If you add $3.7 million in industrial flow-on effects, $1.6 million in value-added services and $860,000 in added salaries and wages we can factor an additional $6.1 million in economic benefits to our business community.”
According to Garry Lee Chairman of Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia the free dumping station and free access to potable water will help the City establish itself as the hub for all RV requirements outside of Perth.
“RV friendly cities have attributes such as an easily accessible and centrally located dumping station, access to free public WIFI and a secure parking area that can accommodate RVs of all shapes and sizes that is near the Visitor Information Centre, beaches, grocery stores and shops. Geraldton has all of these which now enables us to promote Geraldton as the final opportunity to stock up on essential supplies or undertake repairs before you head north,” he said.
The $140,000 project was jointly funded with Royalties for Regions - Tourism WA contributing $59,703 and the City contributing the rest. The RV dumping station will be fully operational by the end of August.
(From left to right) Garry Lee Chairman of Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia, City of Greater Geraldton Deputy Mayor Neil McIllwaine and the Hon Terry Redman MLA Minister for Regional Development officially unveil the new RV dumping station in the Francis Street car park.
Back to All News