GUNNEDAH Mayor Owen Hasler has asked council to support a feasibility study into the advantages of hosting a Caravan and Motorhome Club of Australia rally in 2015/16.
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As an RV (Recreational Vehicle)Friendly Town, Gunnedah is now keen to become part of the “RV circuit”.
Mayor Owen Hasler put the case for further investigation into the growing tourism activity to council at last week’s monthly meeting.
He asked council to support a working party to investigate the requirements and cost of hosting a rally.
The party, is to come back to council in the new year and a decision will then be made if further action will be taken.
Cr Hasler obtained first-hand knowledge of the event last month at the 28th Camping and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) Rally in Narrabri which attracted 820 vehicles and more than 1500 people to the 40 acre site.
“Up to 250 volunteers arrive at least one week, sometimes up to a month prior to the event to help with the “set-up”, which includes painting the shower and toilet blocks and other necessary infrastructure,” Cr Hasler said.
“The internal operation is organised, staffed and controlled by the CMCA with security fences and all control of entry and exits also provided by the CMCA.
“A large marquee, 65m by 30m, capable of seating 2000 is also provided.
“This houses two screens, sound, air-conditioning and entertainment is provided each evening with other activities such as cooking lessons, held during the day.
“The CMCA also brings three container loads of equipment, including water hose and electric cabling and power boards, for
the vans.
“Grey water is collected where vehicles are on playing fields, but are allowed to be discharged on to the ground in other areas.”
Cr Hasler outlined several other main items that are required to host the event, adding that Narrabri provided roughly $70,000 and some in-kind support to host the event.
“We were told by the Narrabri organisers that the estimated spend by the visitors in the community as a direct result of the rally would be in the vicinity of $2 million,” Cr Hasler said.
Bingara hosted a similar event in 2009.
The next three rallies (two are held each year) have been allocated so Gunnedah would be looking for the October, 2016 time frame if the recommendation is favourable from the working party and council gives its approval.
Council voted unanimously in support of the recommendation.