‘Grey nomads’ can rest easy

NOOSA Council has given the green light to trial an RV stop near the heart of Cooroy.
The decision was made at last night’s council meeting and it is hoped to encourage the growing RV market to stop in and explore Noosa’s country charms.
A key driver behind the initiative, Councillor Sandy Bolton, said the Mary River Road facility will accommodate up to 40 recreational vehicles (RVs) and provide the opportunity to grow the local economy.
“This stop will enable Cooroy to achieve ‘RV Friendly Town’ status, and put not just Cooroy, but the whole of country Noosa, with its unique rural villages and attractions, on the RV travellers’ map,” Cr Bolton said.
“With easy access from the Bruce Highway, Cooroy is well positioned as a getaway gateway to a range of accommodation options including RV and camping sites at locations on the ‘country run’ including Pomona, Cooran, Kin Kin, Boreen Point and Lake Macdonald.
“These provide perfect bases from which to explore many attractions including the Majestic Theatre and Botanic Gardens, to walk the Noosa Trail Network or sail on the lakes, and attend one of the shire’s many events.
After much community consultation, Cr Bolton is confident that the RV stop will be welcomed by locals.
“There is a real enthusiasm for this facility in Cooroy, with strong support from the local chamber of commerce, community groups and residents,” Cr Bolton said.
“It stands to open up new tourism and business opportunities as well for the agriculture, culinary and environmental sectors in our rural areas, which can further strengthen the local economy.”
A change of use application for the site was however approved at yesterday’s meeting, which will also offer a waste dump point for RVs, not available elsewhere in Cooroy.
“Industry groups have advised that there is a real need for this sort of RV stop close to town, and we’ll be monitoring to see whether this trial site addresses that need,” Cr Bolton said.
The council last year resolved to amend the town plan to better cater for ‘grey nomad’ tourists. The trial RV stop will provide for ‘leave no trace’ travellers to enjoy short-term stays, capped at four consecutive nights.