Rochester Caravan Park management hopes to boost tourism in the area

Rochester Recreation Reserve Committee of Management will take over the park from the Department of Land Water and Planning at the recommendation of the Campaspe Shire Council.

Committee chairman Brendan Martin said the committee hopes to use any profits from the caravan park to support the reserve and the community groups that use it.

“The caravan park can help us control our own destiny,” he said. “(At the moment) we're reliant on user group’s fees and shire grants for any upgrades to the reserve. 

“Eleven 11 separate groups use the reserve regularly and another 60 groups within the town and local area used (the reserve) in last 12 months.

“To go back to those user groups and hit them for increased fees and charges is not sustainable. So we’re hoping (the caravan park can) take a bit of pressure off.” 

Mr Martin said the committee would make an online tourism push with a new website as well as taking over the park’s day-to-day operations.

The caravan park will be renamed Rochester Riverside Holiday Park.

“Once we get the web page and social media up and going, we can share and spread our message,” he said.

“A lot of people have been stopping in town as part of the silo art trail and accommodation wise we are hoping to tap into that and mural art around Rochester. 

“We are far enough from Echuca to be relevant and also central Shepparton, Bendigo Echuca with a fantastic spot on river and a two-minute walk to town.”

RELATED: Rochester silo artwork giving town a welcome tourism boost

The caravan park is on Crown Land and currently managed by the Campaspe Shire Council with the operation of the park leased to a private operator.

That lease expired last year with the park operating on an interim arrangement with the lessee. The new management will take over next month.

“It’s been handed over in pretty good nick,” Mr Martin said.  “(It is) going from cabin (and long-term) park to effectively a roll in, roll out park.

“A majority of permanent residents have left, the old owner has set up a new park that caters for long-term and permanent residents.

“We are greening the sight up and making it more presentable and upgrading the camp kitchen which is pretty important. 

“We have tapped a few people on shoulder to ask for help in the areas they have expertise. We have also got a couple to manage park who are excited for the project.”