Gundi gains RV Friendly accreditation

GOONDIWINDI has been recognised as an RV Friendly Town after meeting strict criteria set by the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia.

The news is hoped to provide a boost to the town’s economy, the classification recognised by many travellers across Australia.

“This is about attracting as many visitors to the town as we can and to have them stay overnight is even better,” Goondiwindi mayor Graeme Scheu said.

The town exceeded all of required criteria except for lowcost camping. It was previously barred from the accreditation due to this issue.

Now the Goondiwindi Show P and A society has agreed to allow short and long term overnight parking at a reduced rate, ticking the final box.

“Obviously the issue of free and low-cost camping has been an ongoing issue in Goondiwindi, so it’s really good to see the community working together,” Cr Scheu said.

“I can’t thank the show society enough for their assistance and contribution.

“The fact that our local show society are so willing to invest in our town and encourage even more people to come out here, that’s something we as a community should be really proud of. If that’s not regional Australia at its best, then I don’t know what is.”

Cr Scheu confirmed that all other commercial campgrounds in town had been given the option to meet the low-cost criteria in order to help the town qualify as RV-Friendly.

“Obviously with the drought the way it is, times are tough for everyone and that includes our retail, hospitality and other typical visitor-type businesses,” he said.

“Anything we can do to encourage people to stop for a drink or a look around and to spend a bit of money to support the town will be a boost – and obviously we want that to be at minimal expense to the ratepayer.”

Both Inglewood and Texas are already recognised as RV Friendly Towns. As part of Goondiwindi’s new membership, the CMCA will promote the town and its associated tourist attractions in its member magazine The Wanderer.

The CMCA will also promote the town and approved events on its website.

Cr Scheu said the tourism sector was a growing opportunity in the Goondiwindi region.

“Council has invested a significant amount in the sector over the past few years and of course we are lucky to have a really active community who have taken the lead with many great events and things to see and do across the region,” he said.

Council will place signs alerting visitors to the town’s RV-Friendly status in the new year.