Council moves to secure Texas free camping future

Goondiwindi Regional Council will apply to the Queensland Government to purchase the block of land currently used as a popular free camping site in Texas, Mayor of the Goondiwindi region the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM has announced.

Speaking during his visit to Texas today, Cr Springborg said the application was a move to support the region’s domestic tourism sector.

Council has leased the 7.89ha lot from the Queensland Government’s Department of Natural Resources Mines and Energy (DNRME) since 2004. If successful, the proposed purchase would allow Council to manage the land independently from State Government and therefore ensure that free camping can continue at the site.

Cr Springborg said the decision was a sign of Council’s support for the role that free and low-cost camping plays in the region’s tourism industry.

“Both Council and the community have invested significantly into the region’s growing tourism sector in recent years,” Cr Springborg said.

“This is an additional move of support for our region’s tourism operators and other businesses who benefit from the visitor economy. We want to do everything we can to encourage people to stay an extra night, explore what our region has to offer, and support local businesses as they do so.”

Texas is recognised as an ‘RV Friendly Town™’ by the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA). Towns must meet a list of strict criteria to gain and keep their accreditation, including the provision of short–term low–cost overnight parking for self-contained recreational vehicles within a reasonable distance to the CBD.

Cr Springborg said Council had investigated several options for the best way to secure the ongoing use of the land.

“Council is always appropriately cautious about the purchase of any new assets, and gives due consideration to whether or not the acquisition would be in the best interests of the community – in both the short- and long-term.

“In this case, we strongly believe that an application to purchase this lot is the right decision for the region, as it will mean the management of the land is within Council’s control and that camping can continue.

“As the free camping site at Texas becomes increasingly popular with visitors, it also becomes increasingly beneficial to local business – so it really is an important asset for the future of the region’s tourism.”

Free and low-cost camping is available at more than ten reserves, road stops, and recreation grounds across the Goondiwindi region.

If the application is successful, it will require a development approval under State legislation and Council’s Town Planning Scheme.

Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM, Mayor of Goondiwindi Regional Council and Deputy Mayor Cr Rob Mackenzie