Year: 2013
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Caravan parks, camping grounds and cabins have traditionally provided affordable accommodation for holidaymakers, retirees and low-income residents. The conversion of these low cost holiday destinations into either resort style tourist parks or other uses including private housing is an increasing trend along Australian coastlines. Private developers, local councils and state governments are all involved in such projects particularly in high tourism or high population growth areas. Meanwhile controversy often accompanies the planning process and the opportunities for appropriate public input into this redevelopment trend. This paper explores the main causes and extent of this phenomenon, particularly in NSW. The research reviews relevant literature and presents some preliminary case studies of caravan park redevelopment projects in the Great Lakes and Port Macquarie-Hastings local government areas on the NSW mid-north coast. Initial research indicates the redevelopment of low impact caravan parks into higher uses creates economic benefits and environmental impacts, particularly in fragile coastal areas. However this paper focuses on an analysis of the extensive social impacts that are uncovered. In particular, the impacts for low cost family holidays and longer-term repercussions for the supply and security of affordable housing are highlighted, and some policy implications of these outcomes are explored.
Author: HJ Gilbert
Institution: University of Technology Sydney
Language: English
Subfield: Urban Studies
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W621585714