HOLIDAY parks are proving important revenue earners for some south-west councils, especially Warrnambool City, which is expecting a $1.03 million profit next financial year from its two foreshore venues.
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Total revenue from the Surfside and Shipwreck Bay parks next financial year is tipped to hit $2.484 million, while costs are estimated at $1.45 million.
The expected profit will be $115,000 higher than the current financial year’s expected surplus. Tourism services manager Peter Abbott said about 120,000 people a year stayed in the parks and profits were ploughed back into improvements which will include three toilet blocks next financial year.
“One of our biggest costs is electricity use and upgrading power supply because of the heavy drain by holidaymakers,” he said.
“Nowadays many of them bring the washing machine, fridge, television and airconditioner.”
Moyne Shire expects to make $91,116 profit from its seven caravan parks which will generate an expected $3m revenue and entail $2.93m expenditure. According to the shire’s budget papers the major caravan parks returned a 33 per cent dividend to general revenue with the Gardens and Southcombe Park venues accommodating 135,000 people a year.
Glenelg Shire expects to get a $97,000 profit from its Portland Bay Caravan Park which it has managed since 1930 while its Casterton Caravan Park will be a $33,800 drain on council finances.
Southern Grampians Shire expects to lose $33,000 on its caravan park operations.
