THE REDEVELOPMENT of the Pialba Caravan Park will resume, while plans will be prepared to explore alternative uses for the Torquay Caravan Park site, including as an open space with basic facilities or a premium playground and recreational hub.
At its recent meeting, Fraser Coast Regional Council considered a report on the future of the two Council-owned caravan parks, following a decision late last year to temporarily pause the redevelopment to allow for further review.
Cr Zane O'Keefe said the Council-owned beachfront caravan parks have been operating for decades and need upgrades to meet modern standards and visitor expectations.
"The Scarness Caravan Park redevelopment was completed last year, and the first stage of improvements at Burrum Heads finished earlier this year, with work now underway on the next stage,” he said.
“The Pialba Caravan Park also has aging infrastructure that needs urgent upgrades.
After reviewing cost-saving options, it was clear major reductions weren’t possible without lowering the quality of the park.
That’s why we’re moving forward with the redevelopment using the current design.”
Council will also develop concept plans for the Torquay site before seeking community feedback on its future.
“We are looking at two alternative options for Torquay – an open space with basic facilities or a premium playground and recreational hub,” Cr Lachlan Cosgrove said.
“We’ll be asking the community for their thoughts before making a final decision on whether to go ahead with one of these options, a hybrid option containing some elements of both, or continue with the Torquay Caravan Park redevelopment.
“While the infrastructure at Torquay will eventually need upgrades, it is in better condition than Pialba, meaning there is less urgency to act immediately.”
The next steps include preparing layout plans and cost estimates for the potential alternative uses of the Torquay Caravan Park site, followed by a formal public consultation process.
“This is about making sure these sites provide the best value and experience for our community and visitors now and into the future,” Cr O’Keefe said.