By Sonia Isaacs
BEERWAH’S long-awaited campground could welcome visitors again within months, with Sunshine Coast Council preparing a trial to allow self-contained RVs and caravans to return to the Beerwah Sportsground.
Division 1 Councillor Jenny Broderick said funding had been allocated through council’s minor capital works program to establish a managed camping area aimed at attracting visitors and boosting the local economy.
Under the proposal, only fully self-contained recreational vehicles and caravans would be permitted to stay for up to three nights, with no access to power or amenities. Bookings are expected to be managed through an online system similar to council’s holiday parks, with commercial fees applying to ensure fairness with private caravan parks and accommodation providers.
Cr Broderick said the trial responded to years of community calls to restore camping after the Beerwah campground closed in 2023.
“We know this is something the community wanted, and they’ve pushed for it,” she said.
“There are some great opportunities there, and we’re hoping to get other community groups involved as well.”
The campground closed in May 2023 after the Beerwah Sportsground Management Committee dissolved and responsibility for the site transferred to council.
A subsequent caretaker arrangement was later cancelled, leaving Beerwah without a town-centre camping option.
Glasshouse Country Chamber of Commerce president Naomi Pearce welcomed the proposal, saying returning campers would increase visitor spending and provide a welcome boost for local retailers, cafés and other businesses.
“Any initiative that brings more visitors into town and supports local small businesses is absolutely welcomed by the local chamber,” she said.
The proposal has also received cautious support from the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA), which represents one of Australia’s largest RV touring communities.
Chief executive Richard Barwick said Beerwah was well positioned to capture a share of Australia’s growing RV tourism market.
“There are now around 940,000 registered RVs in Australia, and at this time of year we estimate roughly 200,000 of those are on the road,” Mr Barwick said.
“If councils don’t look after the RV consumer, those travellers will simply bypass towns altogether.”
Mr Barwick said modern RVs were generally fully self-contained and required minimal infrastructure.
“These travellers have their own showers and toilets on board. What they’re really looking for is safe, affordable overnight parking with easy access to local shops and services,” he said.
He said Beerwah’s location on the Bruce Highway made it an ideal stopover for touring visitors and described the proposed reopening as “a positive step in the right direction”.
Council says RV users can continue to use the existing dump point at Beerwah Sportsground and are welcome to park during the day while visiting local businesses.
The proposed trial still requires further planning and operational work before a commencement date is officially confirmed.
Supporters say it is the strongest indication yet that camping could soon return to Beerwah after more than three years.
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