The City of Mount Gambier has recently been declared 'RV friendly' following an application made to The Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA).
In order to qualify for the program, towns and cities must successfully meet the needs of self-contained RV travellers and satisfy key criteria including access to potable water and a free dump point.
City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin OAM said Council had been encouraged by various organisations and individuals over a number of years to pursue 'RV friendly status' under the CMCA RV Friendly Town Program.
"This feedback helped to support the development of a recreational vehicle (RV) parking area and dump point at Frew Park which was completed in May 2019."
Other criteria Council was required to meet as part of the application to CMCA included demonstrated access to a general shopping area and provision of appropriate low cost overnight parking.
"With these amenities in place, RV tourists can access any RV Friendly Town knowing they will be welcomed and well looked after," CMCA Chairman Kim Atkinson said.
In return for providing these facilities, CMCA supports all towns and cities with RV friendly status through promotion to CMCA members and the broader self-contained RV community.
Joining the RV Friendly Town network will deliver direct benefits to the local business community as Mount Gambier will be promoted to RV travellers across Australia through the CMCA club magazine, website and social media channels- City of Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin OAM
"With the self-contained RV tourism market estimated to be worth more than $2.5 billion annually and the number of registered RVs in Australia expected to grow to more than 700,000 this year, our city is now well-positioned to access this lucrative tourism market and we look forward to seeing an increased number of visitors."
CMCA says being classed an RV Friendly Town will assist to promote the region's attractions and capture a part of this large growth market.
"Through social media and word of mouth, RV tourists will quickly let their fellow travellers know what a great place Mount Gambier is to visit and experience what it is that makes the city so unique," Ms Atkinson said.
RV friendly town signs have recently been installed at the key entrances to the city, with further signage to be installed in coming weeks to provide clear directions to the RV parking area and dump point at Frew Park.
