Expert warns: Closing Torquay Caravan Park would strip millions from local economy

CARAVAN Parks Association of Queensland Chief Executive Michelle Weston says the debate over Hervey Bay’s Torquay Caravan Park has lost sight of the real economics and the prosperity it generates for the entire community, not just the council ledger.

“The Torquay Caravan Park directly supports around 45 full-time equivalent tourism-related jobs in the wider community, people working in hotels, pubs, cafés, bottle shops and attractions,” Ms Weston said.

“But that is just the beginning. Using the industry’s economic-contribution calculator developed by BDO Australia, we can see the park generates around $5
million in gross domestic product (GDP) every year for the Fraser Coast economy.”

“That money ripples through local businesses, wages and services, supporting livelihoods far beyond the park itself. It’s not just a place to stay, it is vital
economic engine.”

Ms Weston said focusing narrowly on how much profit the council makes from operating the park misses the larger truth about caravan tourism’s value.

“It’s not about what Council banks,” she said.

“It’s about how much money visitors bring into Hervey Bay from elsewhere — money that recirculates through local businesses and supports employment. Those are two very different things.”

Contrary to claims that caravanning is a pastime of retirees who spend little, Ms Weston said industry data shows the opposite.

“It is actually the 30 to 54-year-old family market that takes the most caravan and camping trips.”

“Families make up the largest segment in Queensland, and their spending patterns are substantial. Even older travellers on extended stays cannot carry weeks of supplies, they shop locally, eat out, enjoy tours, and really engage with the community.”

Michelle said that engagement turns static holidaymakers into active contributors to local life.

“They are in the cafés, restaurants, and hardware stores. They buy from local butchers and markets. Every one of those transactions really matters.”

Some advocates for redevelopment have argued that the caravan park’s location deters new investment on the opposite side of the Esplanade because, as one submission put it, “no investor would consider building high-end accommodation or permanent apartments facing the unattractive backyards of caravanners.” Ms Weston said she found that reasoning “puzzling.”

“That’s actually an argument for keeping the caravan park”.

“Caravan parks are low-lying and open, which means any new building across the road would enjoy uninterrupted water views from nearly every floor.”

“They are also green, leafy spaces, full of trees and character, that complement higher-density development nearby. Across Queensland you see thriving foreshore parks sitting comfortably alongside apartments and resorts. The two coexist beautifully.”

She cited examples from the Sunshine Coast with long-standing, waterfront parks bordered by higher-density accommodation.

Michelle said the caravan and camping industry had enjoyed year-on-year growth for more than a decade, well beyond the post-COVID boom.

“Last year alone there was a 5% increase in the number of caravans and motorhomes registered nationally, and more than 240,000 are now registered in Queensland.”

“That is a huge travelling market. Regional communities like the Fraser Coast just cannot afford to lose their slice of it.”

“Beachfront caravan parks are iconic Queensland assets. Once they are gone, they are almost impossible to replace.”

Ms Weston believes the Torquay foreshore’s caravan park enhances, rather than detracts from the foreshore experience.

“Hervey Bay already has kilometres of parks and playgrounds. The caravan park adds life and vibrancy, people walking, cycling, dining out, shopping locally. It’s part of what makes the foreshore feel alive.”

As the Fraser Coast Regional Council’s public consultation on the park nears its close, already attracting record participation, she urged decision-makers to weigh community benefit over short-term financial metrics.

“If council values the caravanning and camping market, keeping the Torquay Caravan Park is a no-brainer. It’s not just accommodation, it’s an economic engine and a social anchor for Hervey Bay.”

What’s your view on the Torquay foreshore? Make your opinion count by completing the Council’s survey by 10 November - scan the QR code below.