THE Shire of Busselton said no detailed research had occurred into the predicted size of school groups expected to attend a large dedicated campsite proposed for the ‘Holy Mile’(Locke Estate).
A shire report for tonight’s council meeting recommends a dedicated school and large group campsite be run on a non-commercial basis from the Locke Estate.
Shire of Busselton director community and organisational development Matthew Smith said it was anticipated that detailed planning of the predicted size of school groups and the site would occur in the next phase of design should the council determine that direction.
Kevin and Kerry Driscoll run the Seventh-day Adventist campsite and raised concerns about the latest shire report.
Mr Driscoll said he and many others felt they had been ignored in the community feedback process when the shire assembled the report.
“To say that the high number of responses to Concept One ‘diluted the value of the submissions’ is concerning,” he said.
“The fact that such a large number of people responded indicates there is significant public support.”
Mr Smith said people needed to realise the three concepts put forward by the shire were not to be voted on.
“The consultation process was to receive feedback, ideas and comments on the concepts,” he said.
The Bitone Caravan Club recently stayed at the Seventh-day Adventist camp and said they were concerned about the changes taking place.
Club spokesperson Joe Lawson said the club had been coming to the Locke Estate for 10 years.
“The original idea of these camps was to give affordable accommodation to people on pensions,” he said.
“This is typical of councillors that once they get behind a chair they bow to big people.
“This is ideal for old people as it is not far from the beach and we feel safe.”
Mr Driscoll said he felt there would be no need for a caravan park site to be set up on the estate if the current camps were allowed to accommodate more caravans.
“The shire has regulated our site to 20 caravans,” he said.
“There are currently around 160 caravan sites across the Locke Estate.
“So if they want a caravan park, I can’t see why they don’t just upgrade the number of caravans allowed on the existing sites.
“We are providing cost effective holidaying.
“A lot of people don’t want fancy buildings and enjoy the laidback homestay feel.
“People want low budget accommodation and higher income earners are accommodated by the many resorts in the area.
“The camp grounds also provide an alternative for people seeking alcohol, drug and smoke free zones that are safe for all ages and encourage family traditions and values for humanities, spiritual, emotional, social, physical and wellbeing.”
Mr Smith said some of the existing sites had struggled to adhere to all the regulations all the time.
“Although most do their best to comply,” he said.
“Specific breaches have been taken up with individual leaseholders as required.”
Mr Lawson also said the current situation was beneficial to the town’s small businesses.
“If you set up large caravan parks on these sites, people won’t go into town to get what they need, because it will all be available on site,” he said.
The council will consider the Locke Estate recommendations at tonight’s council meeting.
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