Buxton residents who attended a community meeting last week overwhelmingly supported some form of overnight camping facility being established at the riverside township.
The meeting, held at Buxton Community Hall and called by divisional representative Cr Bill Trevor, attracted more than 50 residents.
Cr Trevor addressed issues relating to possible defined areas to accommodate overnight camping stays.
He said the area adjacent to the current park and toilet facilities would only provide for a very limited number of vehicles.
“Additionally, as Buxton is not sewered this would place further pressure on the current septic system servicing the public conveniences,” he said.
“Encouraging more visitors to the area would require Council to invest in additional infrastructure.
“Council has received advice from the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) that it is willing to financially support a dump point at Buxton although its preference was for one that was connected to a sewerage system.”
The meeting explored the possibility of other areas of Buxton being utilised for a more expanded overnight camping area.
“Being on the banks of the Burrum River, visitors obviously want to park in locations at Buxton where they can enjoy a connectivity with the water,” Cr Trevor said.
He said a bush location offering RV parking and camping facilities was soon to be established in Buxton.
“Council is also aware that a further application may soon be lodged with Council to develop a caravan park within the Buxton area.”
Cr Trevor asked for a show of support from those at the meeting for the establishment of some form of overnight camping facility for Buxton. More than two thirds of those present supported the initiative.
He said additional community consultation would occur over the next few months and he thanked the Buxton Friendship Association for assistance in convening the meeting.
