At its September meeting, council unanimously endorsed an extension of the current management arrangement for existing staff to operate the park until a new management contract is awarded and operational.
Tenders will be called for a contract to manage the park for a period of two years with an option for an additional 2 x 1 year terms.
A short term contract to manage Ball Park while additional compliance and improvement works are undertaken and whilst Master and Detailed Planning is finalised was strongly supported by councillors.
“This is the preferred option as it will allow for works to be undertaken while providing dedicated staffing and resources to the operation of the park,” council’s director development and environment services Susan Appleyard said.
“It will also allow the performance of the park to be monitored under its current smaller footprint. This will provide for 2-3 years worth of operating figures for the park to assist council in making a decision regarding the long-term management and development of the park.”
Ms Appleyard referred to Federation Council’s other caravan park, in Urana, which she said operates successfully under a short term contract arrangement.
Since February 2019, Federation Council has managed Ball Park Caravan Park. From July to October last year, the long-term casual occupants of the park were required to move their caravans, cabins and other structures to ensure the park could return to a compliant park.
In March this year, the highly successful, 41st consecutive Khaki Vehicle Enthusiasts Club, which involved over 1,000 people and 235 ex military vehicles had just completed its event at the park before it was closed for six weeks due to the COVID-19. It has reopened with border restrictions .
As a result, numerous cancellations of bookings and loss of income have been experienced.
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