At their meeting on Tuesday night, Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) decided whether or not they would release responsibility from Local Landcare Services (LLS) re the Gundagai RV Park.
It was recommended that Council request formal approval and support from Local Land Services (LLS) for Council to make application to Crown Lands for the Change of Purpose or Acquisition of the current Travelling Stock Reserve on which the Gundagai Long Stay RV Park off Pope Street is situated.
The Gundagai Long Stay RV Park on Pope Street is situated on a Travelling Stock Route (TSR) beside Morley’s Creek. The RV Park was established some years ago between Gundagai Shire Council and the Department of Primary industries to provide a free RV camping area for tourists on the then unleased reserve.
The Gundagai Long Stay RV Park maintenance was discussed during a meeting with Local Land Services (LLS) staff earlier this year. The Travelling Stock Reserve is situated off Pope Street and on the western side western of Morley’s Creek. Being a TSR it is currently under the authority of LLS.
LLS staff have informed Council that under the Department’s current TSR management requirements the reserve will be included with a list of other TSR’s in the region which will all be released for an open expression of interest process for the leasing of TSR reserves in June 2025.
If this was to happen and Council wish to continue with the Long Stay RV Park operation it would also have to submit an expression of interest to LLS.
Due to the process Council would then run the risk of the LLS receiving applications for the lease of the Pope Street reserve from other parties. Applications would be assessed by the LLS with the application that fits the usage requirements of TSR reserves and is deemed the most viable option generally getting the LLS approval for a lease.
If Council wishes to continue the operation of the Long Stay RV Park operation there is an opportunity to submit an application to Crown Lands for either a change of purpose or acquisition of the land. In order for either application to be received by Crown Lands they require the current nominated land managers (Local Land Services) to approve the submission to do so.
If an application was prepared, submitted, and received by Crown Lands for consideration early next year then the reserve may be removed from the list of TSR reserves for the LLS mid 2025 expression of interest for lease while the application is be considered.
It should also be noted that LLS staff have indicated that they would be happy to release the land from their responsibility. By transferring the management by acquisition or change of purpose of the Land, Council would remain responsible for the maintenance of the reserve which typically involves regular mowing, spraying and minor tree works. The change would also permit additional activities and infrastructure to be added which is presently not allowed under the TSR land use classification.
-Jack Murray
