Jane Street caravan park to close

Yesterday, Gympie Regional Council endorsed the voluntary closure of the Gympie Caravan Park at its February Ordinary Meeting.

The park had been closed to new tenants and tourism bookings since late June 2020 after the Brisbane Supreme Court ruled the current management agreement lease be terminated immediately and the site returned to Gympie Regional Council. This was due to contractual breaches and a number of non-compliances in accordance with the relevant legislation pertaining to caravan park operation. There were also a number of outstanding regulatory matters. 

Upon closure, some work was completed to sewer and water supply, electrical and asbestos works and building maintenance to allow long-term residents to stay on-site, however the majority of the park was closed to all due to health and safety issues. 

To reopen the park either by Gympie Regional Council or a commercial operator, significant work and budget would be required, which is not available. Council have now closed the entire park which will affect the 15 occupied sites and require them to find alternative accommodation. 

“A decision regarding the park was needed as residents have the right to know the outcome so they can make a decision regarding their future.” said Shane Gray, Gympie Regional Council CEO. 

 “The issue has been going for many years now. This isn’t how we’d like to have managed the park, however we’ll do all we can to support the residents with this decision. 

“We will connect the residents with the services they may require to help them transition out of the park – whether that be community housing, finding accommodation within another park, support services – we’ll do everything we can to help the residents.”

Shane Gray said a report will be compiled with options for council regarding the long-term use of the site. 

“The site itself is crown land, with council as the trustee and we need to look at what the best options are for this site, while also appreciating that at this time, council do not have the budget to commence any major work here.” 

Residents have been notified of yesterday’s meeting and council officers will attend the park to let residents know the outcome. As of today (Thursday 25 February) residents will have three months to find alternative accommodation.

Council will continue to work with the State Government regarding the long-term future of the site.