That’s the opinion of Maitland councillor and caravan enthusiast Steve Procter, who was buoyed by council’s decision late last year to install an official waste dump point for caravans and motor homes at Harold Gregson Reserve.

The Caravan Industry Association of Australia released new statistics this month that showed caravan and recreational vehicle production across the nation had increased by almost 5 per cent in the past year.

The figures also showed that recreational vehicle registrations had increased by almost 22 per cent since 2008.

Cr Procter said he had seen these statistics reflected in his travels.

“A few years ago if you wanted to go on a trip you just went, but now you have to book,” he said.

“It’s an affordable holiday and you can go at your own pace.”

A Maitland council spokesman said preliminary design work, installation and associated signage for the dump point would begin this financial year.

“Further works including formalisation of the existing car park area and improvements to the existing toilet facilities are listed for consideration in the 2015-16 Capital Works Program,” he said.

The facility will mean caravan and recreational vehicle tourists can stay at the reserve, near Maitland No.1 Sports Ground, for up to 72 hours free of charge.

Cr Procter said encouraging caravan and motorhome tourism would have a positive flow-on effect for local attractions such at Maitland Regional Art Gallery and Walka Water Works.

“The short weekend events like the Aroma coffee and chocolate festival would be ideal [attractions] and Morpeth would be popular,” he said.

“There is also an accommodation and bed shortage in Maitland. 

“Caravans and motorhomes are self contained. All they need is somewhere to park.”

Council has earmarked $80,000 to complete the dump point and associated work in the 2015-16 financial year.

Picnic tables and toilet upgrades at the site could also be part of the project.