Upgraded caravan park may be sold

GEELONG council will look at offloading its sole caravan park as it unveils a redevelopment plan for the ageing complex.

Alternative management options for the Breamlea Holiday Park will be explored over the next few months, after the complex recorded a $28,595 deficit in 2017-18.

Cr Ron Nelson encouraged an inquiry into the viability of retaining the park on the council’s books.

However Cr Kylie Grzybek said she believed the council should only be increasing its investment in the sector.

The review was initiated on Tuesday night, as the council approved a $1 million-plus master plan for the coastal site that aims to increase revenue by improving safety and infrastructure within the park.

Mayor Bruce Harwood said the funding would ensure the the park’s environmental values were retained.

“At the same time it will modernise the park and open it to a wider range of holiday-makers.”

The upgrade includes 10 new cabins, making an area available for larger motorhomes and designating an additional 23 sites for 12month permit holders.

In comparison to other caravan parks in the region, Breamlea has fewer and older recreation facilities, the lowest star rating, less cabin accommodation and the lowest fees.

The council said the park was operating at a near financial break-even status.

However the Borough of Queenscliff reaps up to $800,000 profit annually from its four parks.

The contract with Breamlea’s park manager, who has been in charge since 1996, is due to end in November 2020.