Four Councillors Defy Overwhelming Community Sentiment on Torquay Caravan Park

Fraser Coast Regional Council has confirmed it will proceed with upgrading the Torquay Caravan Park, a decision that aligns squarely with what the community expressed in record-breaking numbers.

But while the majority of councillors eligible to vote supported the community’s clear preference to save and upgrade the park, four councillors, Cr. Zane O’Keefe, Cr. Lachlan Cosgrove, Cr. John Weiland and Cr. Michelle Govers, voted against the outcome overwhelmingly favoured by residents.

Council undertook a four-week consultation process that attracted 4,385 completed survey responses, thousands of written comments, and two petitions totalling more than 12,000 signatures.

It is the largest community engagement process ever undertaken by Council, and its results were emphatic.

Residents were asked to consider three options that included upgrading the existing caravan park, creating a new open-space parkland or developing a larger park and playground with recreational and event facilities.

Of those who responded, 76% nominated upgrading the caravan park as providing the greatest benefit to the community.

Only 9% per cent preferred the open-space option, and 15% supported the premium playground concept.

This decisive mandate was supported by all councillors eligible to vote, except O’Keefe, Cosgrove, Weiland and Govers.

Mayor George Seymour acknowledged the unprecedented level of participation and the passion the community holds for the Torquay foreshore.

“The Torquay foreshore is a much-loved place, and the community showed that clearly through the high level of engagement,” he said.

“Council has carefully considered the feedback and balanced this with the long-term needs of the foreshore and the community in reaching today’s decision to proceed with upgrading the Torquay Caravan Park.”

The consultation also revealed demographic nuances, younger respondents more strongly supported parkland options, while most people aged 35 and over favoured upgrading the caravan park” the Mayor said.

“Council has heard this feedback and recognises the importance of providing spaces and facilities that meet the needs of younger people.”

With the vote now finalised, Council will progress detailed design and planning for the caravan park upgrade.

The project sits within the 10-year capital works program, with funding allocated across 2029/30 and 2030/31.

“Upgrading the park will replace ageing infrastructure with modern facilities and a layout that better suits the larger caravans and RVs people use now”.

“Today’s decision provides a clear direction for the future of the site and allows Council to move forward with certainty.”