The Fraser Coat Council has recently come to the fore and realised the benefits that travelling nomads can bring to their area. This article from RACQ living outlines more about the initiative and just how much money it is bringing to the area.
Travellers initially needed to get a receipt that shows they have spent at least $10 from local business and present it to the Visitor Centre. It will serve as their pass to a free 20-hour parking in a designated long-parking area. Since the program has long been updated, the receipt of $10 is no longer required for a free stay. Alongside Hervey Bay Visitor Information Centre, which was the first approved site early in 2015, there are now ten more open Stop and Shop Parks. Four of which are located in Maryborough CBD and six near the Burrum District Community Centre.
The program was presented with the harmonious agreement of stakeholders and local caravan parks. According to the local media report, Councillor Stuart Taylor mentioned: “There was concern in some quarters that grey nomads might feel in some way insulted about having to prove they spent money in the area, but we found exactly the opposite, with people eager to show just how much they spend.”
In addition, he said: “We have had people who would otherwise have left stay in the area to spend money. We also see people staying an extra night once they discover what the region has to offer.”
The council stated that one hard evidence to prove that the initiative is effective is the quantity of receipts many visitors show, spending a minimum of $115 to more than $1000 on eating out and taking tours.
Few of the events and attractions visitors to the Fraser Coast can enjoy are the Food and Wine Festival in June, the Fraser Coast Cultural Centre, and Fraser Island exploration.
Full article courtesy of RACQ Living
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