The showgrounds committee of management has applied to become a registered caravan park for visitors in addition to an existing permit for people directly associated with events at the venue.

A council spokesman yesterday confirmed the application was being considered.

In past years some other registered caravan park operators have complained about an unofficial ad hoc arrangement where caravan and mobile home users have occupied part of the western portion of the showgrounds, some for many months.

Yesterday there were six caravans or mobile homes there.

Show society manager-secretary Mike Farrow said the only semi-permanent occupant was a caretaker.

“I’m turning people away all the time,” he said.

“Sometimes people stay there overnight, but are usually gone in the mornings.

“We can’t charge fees because the land is owned by the Department of Sustainability and Environment.”

It is understood the move to get a wider permit was triggered by tighter statewide regulations introduced last year.

Mr Farrow said plans for a caravan and camping area of up to 30 sites were being drawn up in conjunction with advice from the council.

“It will only entail part of the western end and the southern side under the trees where greyhound racing groups usually stay,” he said.

“This won’t be a complete caravan park.

“It will be for people on tight budgets including the elderly on holidays.

“The income would help us maintain the grounds.”

The city council said general camping was not permitted at the showgrounds.

“Events-based camping is permitted for those directly involved in activities at the showgrounds such as the annual agricultural show,” a spokesman said.

pcollins@fairfaxmedia.com.au