People who camp in Warrnambool for longer than a week will be forced out for one night a week under strict cleaning protocols aimed at a COVID-safe summer.
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Leesa Butterworth and her husband Ken have been staying at Surf Side Caravan Park for more than 30 years.
They were successful in securing one week in the ballot and delighted to find out they could stay longer.
However, when they tried to extend their stay, they were told they would have to vacate the park for one night each week, a move Mrs Butterworth has labelled "ridiculous".
In addition to that campers can't check in until Boxing Day.
"That means we would all have to pack everything up and find somewhere to stay for a night and return the next day," Mrs Butterworth said.
"That's ridiculous. We're usually in Warrnambool for Christmas and buy all our food from businesses there. They will lose out."
Mrs Butterworth said she had spoken to a number of other people who usually stayed in Warrnambool each year who were choosing to go elsewhere.
"Other caravan parks are operating at 80 per cent - why can't Warrnambool?"
Mrs Butterworth said people were not going to want to pack up for one night a week.
A Warrnambool City Council spokesman confirmed its plan would include an overnight break each week to allow staff to thoroughly clean all shared facilities.
"Council is committed to doing all it can to minimise the risk posed by COVID-19," the spokesman said.
"Our holiday parks - Surfside and Shipwreck Bay - even operating at 50 per cent capacity, will still be very busy places.
"An important part of keeping our guests and staff safe is very thorough cleaning.
"In preparing our COVID-safe plan we've been guided by advice from the Department of Health and Human Services and from our own experienced and qualified environmental health team.
"Our holiday parks will be cleaned in the lead-up to Christmas so that we're ready for the arrival of guests on Boxing Day."
The spokesman said the overnight break was one of the reasons week-long stays were offered in the ballot.
"After the ballot we were able to offer additional week-long stays to those campers who were interested," he said.
"We understand that some people are disappointed with the arrangements. But we've also been heartened by the understanding and patience that people have shown.
"Many have been appreciative of the steps we are taking to help make our holiday parks as safe as possible."