Crescent Head community gets greater say on holiday park

Published on 21 August 2023

The Crescent Head community will have the opportunity to have their say on the holiday park concept plan implementation including the location of the recently built maintenance shed.

Kempsey Shire Council has committed to improving transparency and working more closely in coming months with the Crescent Head community.

At their August meeting, Councillors considered an alternative location for the maintenance shed in Crescent Head Holiday Park, along with four other recommendations for the Crescent Holiday Park Concept Plan.

Following a resolution at the July Council Meeting, Council continued to investigate options regarding the maintenance shed in the holiday park. Council staff prepared a report addressing the visual, practical, and financial impacts of the shed, and other planned changes in the area.

At the August meeting, Councillors decided to hold a meeting on site along with staff and representatives of the Crescent Head community to discuss possible locations for the shed, followed by a further report to the September meeting in relation to the preferred location.

Mayor Leo Hauville said the resolution shows Council’s commitment to improving community engagement as well as taking responsibility for its financial position in a balanced manner.

“We should examine the whole Crescent Head Holiday Park Concept Plan for improved usage and layout, including the shed’s location, while seeking community input for balanced financial benefits,” said Cr Hauville.

“It is important to Council that we engage directly with the Crescent Head community on this matter.”

In addition to the shed’s location, Council also considered changes to the Crescent Head Holiday Park Concept Plan.

“Our Shire’s five Holiday Parks generate vital income for Council-managed Crown reserves. This money is injected straight back into these areas to benefit both the community and visitors to our areas,” said Cr Hauville.

“While in the midst of our financial sustainability challenges, it is important we maximise income while also recognising community expectations. The alternate location for the maintenance shed results in the loss of some powered campsites. This outcome reduces park revenue. As such, the resolution included future accommodation changes to offset these losses.”

The changes include the replacement of cabins that are approaching the end of their useful lifespan, which differs from the original plans proposed in the Crescent Head Holiday Park Concept Plan adopted in 2021. The concept plan will be amended to reflect these changes and will be publicly exhibited before being presented at a future Council Meeting for consideration.