Maitland will continue to lose valuable tourist dollars if it doesn’t move quickly to establish a tourist park or overnight camp for motorhomes in the city.
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Back in 2012 the Mercury reported that “no vacancy” signs were a regular sight at the city’s motels, with many guests turned away.
Visitors wanting to pitch a tent or park a motorhome for short periods were also moved onto neighbouring towns because Maitland’s two caravan parks were full.
Fast forward to 2014 and Cr Steve Procter is right on the money with a call to establish a free overnight camp for motorhomes at Harold Gregson Reserve near the No.1 Sportsground.
And his vision to use tables, chairs and bins that will be soon removed from the Heritage Mall as part of its multi-million dollar makeover as The Levee, is a great idea that ticks all the boxes.
Cr Procter believes just recognising Maitland as recreational vehicle friendly will be a boon for tourism.
And the good thing is that making it happen is not a big job.
“We just need to put in a table, some chairs and bins,” Cr Procter said.
We already know that this area is suitable for such a project after revellers from last month’s Groovin the Moo festival at Maitland Showground spilled back to Harold Gregson Park afterwards and pitched tents to stay the night.
With toilet facilities already available on High Street, just opposite the Shell service station, the next step would be to install an effluent dump point for motorhomes.
And it looks like the Caravan and Motorhome Club of Australia is offering to come to the party to help with that.
So, it looks like most of the boxes have been ticked.
Well done Cr Procter.