Community groups have put up their hand to manage Beerwah campground
Two local community organisations have thrown their hat into the ring as possible contenders to manage the short term camping facilities at Beerwah Sportsground. This follows months of confusion around the future of the short-term camping/RV facility, which has stood virtually vacant after Sunshine Coast Council rescinded their initial 12-month contract with a private operator in June earlier this year.
Both the Beerwah Bulldogs and Festuri have expressed an interest in taking on the campground management, which in the past has proven to be a viable income stream, solid RV community drawcard and economic boost to local businesses.
Speaking with GC&M News, both Beerwah Sportsground based organisations confirmed, although it was still early days, the intention was to submit a formal tender to Council.
Beerwah Bulldogs President, Stephen (Ref) Hammill, (pictured right) confirmed he had initially spoken with Cr. Rick Baberowski about the clubs’ interest in potentially taking over the lease. He said he was working with volunteer club members to put together a proposal.
“This could be a great opportunity for the club and it would also be good for Beerwah and our businesses to have regular short term camping back at the sportsground,” he said.
Festuri director Dominique B. Cisse agreed having camping reinstated would be great for the community and local economy. He said the Festuri team had been in conversation with Council in the last few weeks; however they were waiting on access to the current caretaker’s premises on site, which he said would first require a major refurbishment. He said he had prior experience in running caravan parks and campgrounds and Festuri would be submitting a formal tender application as soon as possible.
When approached By GC&M News about an update, a Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said the primary role of the Beerwah Sportsground had always been to provide for the sporting needs of the Beerwah Community and surrounds, as well as open spaces for members of the public.
“Council continues to support camping at Beerwah Sportsgrounds for approved community events as a secondary use of the site,” the spokesperson said.