OPEN AGAIN: Mossman Caravan Park flood damage fixed, ready for visitors

CARAVAN SITES BACK

David Gardiner

Journalist

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Mossman Caravan Park’s 80 sites have reopened to visitors. Pic: DSC

It’s news that will bring some moderate relief for a town still reeling from the double blow of devastating floods and the closure of its sugar mill – Mossman Caravan Park has reopened to the public for the first time since it was damaged by flooding from Cyclone Jasper in December.

Encouragingly, visitor bookings and occupancy rates are already proving positive for the local economy.

Douglas Shire Mayor, Lisa Scomazzon has told Newsport that the damage caused to the Council-owned park by Jasper was extensive, affecting electrical systems at all of the park’s powered sites, street lighting and cabins.

“The repair efforts prioritised creating a safe environment for all incoming guests to the caravan park and needed to be completed before allowing any tourists to book,” Ms Scomazzon said. 

“This included fixing all power outlets in the park and restoring adequate lighting throughout.”

Solar lighting added

But it turned out not being just a repair job; the work has also allowed Council to upgrade the caravan park to a more efficient, energy-saving facility.

“Additionally, we transitioned from underground power circuits to solar lighting to prevent future issues related to flooding,” the Mayor added.

The 80-site park offers a range of accommodation options including 60 large, shaded, powered sites, 20 unpowered sites and two self-contained cabins. 

While not quite ready to be used yet, the two cabins are expected to also be reopened soon. 

“Our cabins, which were flooded, are currently being inspected by insurance assessors to determine whether they should be refitted or replaced. 

“We do not have an estimated time for their return to operation, as this depends entirely on the insurance decision.”

Positive tourism season

The rest of the tourism season looks to be promising for the Mossman park. 

“Mossman Caravan Park has already experienced a significant rise in occupancy levels,” Ms Scomazzon said. 

“We expect this trend to continue as more travellers discover our renovated facilities. Our staff is enthusiastic about welcoming guests after the extended repair period.” 

Park to stay short-term accommodation

With a housing accommodation crisis being experienced Australia-wide, we asked about Council’s expectations of the numbers of people who might be looking to stay at the park until they could find more permanent accommodation. 

But there are no plans to change its focus away from the shorter-term visitor market. 

“Mossman Caravan Park has had some enquiries mostly regarding our cabins and whether we let long term," DSC told Newsport.

“Council currently allows visitors to stay at the Mossman Caravan Park for a period of up to 28 days, aiming to cater primarily for the tourist market who inject significant funds into the local economy.”

For further details on the park, such as rates and amenities, go to the link: https://douglas.qld.gov.au/mpcp/mossman-caravan-park/ .

 

The park’s two cabins are expected to pass insurance inspection and also be reopened soon. Pic: DSC

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