Politics & Council
30 June, 2023
Double parking: new lease deal
A 25-YEAR deal will see accommodation increased at caravan parks in Bridgewater and Wedderburn. Euroa’s Kristy and Warrick Hourigan have been awarded long-term leases after the park management was put out to tender by Loddon Shire. Council wants...
A 25-YEAR deal will see accommodation increased at caravan parks in Bridgewater and Wedderburn.
Euroa’s Kristy and Warrick Hourigan have been awarded long-term leases after the park management was put out to tender by Loddon Shire.
Council wants to see the parks grow in use and generate a new income stream for the shire.
Mr and Mrs Hourigan, who have leased the Euroa caravan park for more than six years, said early plans included 10 new two-bedroom family cabins at Bridgewater.
They are also considering safari tents that Mrs Hourigan said are “bigger and better than glamping” to attract more visitors to the park.
“And we won’t be running a cafe. We want people to walk to the main street and support existing businesses,” she said.
“Bridgewater is in a prime position on the Loddon River and we see some great tourism and economic growth for the town and the park.”
Mrs Hourigan said the Wedderburn park was a hidden gem with plans for three cabins and a new office.
The Hourigans will link bookings for their three parks, encouraging overflow bookings to either Bridgewater, Wedderburn or Euroa.
Mayor Dan Straub said the leasing of the caravan parks would be a great outcome for both visitors and the local community.
“Kristy and Warrick, with their caravan park operation experience, will continue professional management and marketing of the Wedderburn and Bridgewater parks, both of which are a key part of the community and tourism in our Shire,” Cr Straub said.
“Having experienced lessees with long-term leases in place at the parks provides an opportunity to increase tourism to the region, improve infrastructure and develop modern, tourist-orientated parks.
Mrs Hourigan said: “We are committed to their care, growth, and attracting the best visitors.
“Our vision includes the development of modern, visitor-centric facilities that will attract a greater number of tourists, ultimately benefiting both the local communities and the wider region economically,” she said.