The Shire of Northam Council has given to go ahead for the Shire CEO to undertake a feasibility study into the possibility of establishing RV friendly campsites within Northam.
Concerns were raised by a local caravan park owner who questioned council on what economic benefit would come from having free camping in town.
Chief Executive Officer Jason Whiteaker said the benefits could not be evaluated until a feasibility study was undertaken but the hope would be that money saved on accommodation would be spent on local businesses.
Councilors were divided on the possibility of free overnight camping coming to town.
Councilor Steven Pollard said he didn’t see a requirement for it as there are already existing caravan parks in town, while Councilor Terry Little said the issue was bigger than business owners.
Councilor Little said he believed people who want to stay in caravan parks will still do so regardless of the addition of free RV parking.
In 2015/16, an application was lodged for Northam to be listed as an ‘RV Friendly town’.
The application was rejected on the grounds that no free overnight camp site exists within the townsite.
Councilor John Proud said he didn’t think aiming for the title of an RV Friendly town was worthwhile as the accreditation is given by the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia, which Councilor Proud said was a “self-interested group”.
He said RVs are already self sufficient so he was not sure if holiday-makers would spend money in town.
Councilor Rob Tinetti opposed Councilor Proud’s statement saying the RV friendly sign will get people turning into Northam off Great Eastern Highway.
Councilor Carl Della and Councilor Little reminded the group that they were only voting on a feasibility study to be undertaken, not for campsites to be created.
The motion was carried 6 votes to 1 in favour of Chief Executive Officer Jason Whiteaker, undertaking investigations into the possibility of free camping sites within the Shire of Northam
