West Coast Mayor Phil Vickers said Council last night voted to move forward regarding the future of the Macquarie Heads Campground.

Council has been working to ensure the long-term sustainability of the campground since April last year and will be undertaking several steps over the next few months to progress on key findings.

“Following an extensive review and consultation with licence holders and Crown Land, Council is now looking forward to moving ahead on the facility,” Mayor Vickers said.

“While this process has taken some time, Council is confident that we are taking proactive steps to ensure the long-term sustainability of the campground." 

Since April Council has liaised with existing licence holders, adopted minimum standards for the future operations of the facility, undertaken a comprehensive business plan and worked on a development application for planned expansion of the current facility.

“As a result of last night’s meeting Council will now be entering into a new Head Lease agreement being offered by the Crown and looking to proceed with a development application for the campground’s expansion once the entire development is secured,” Mayor Vickers said.

“Council will also be presented with a report prior to the end of the financial year with a draft of proposed arrangements for permits for both existing and potential licence holders.”

Mayor Vickers said the Council would also be working on a draft proposed agreement between the State Government and Council for the operations of a separate day camping area at Macquarie Heads for approval.

Council has budgeted to borrow up to $350,000 for the expansion project with a State Government grant of $200,000 also committed.

“The next steps adopted at last night’s Council meeting will be complemented by the fact Council has recently appointed a new fulltime caretaker for the Macquarie Heads Campground, who will start work on 12 April,” Mayor Vickers said.

“I am sure that the new caretaker’s appointment and the rollout of other improvements of this facility well help ensure its long-term sustainability.”