RUMOURS about the impending closure of the New Norfolk Caravan Park were put to bed during councillor question time at tonight’s Derwent Valley Council meeting (August 24). Cr Matt Hill said he had already had the question answered privately and he was now putting it on the public record.
The caravan park is owned by the council and sited on land at the New Norfolk Esplanade, but operated by contracted managers. It has been the subject of decades-long discussions about the land ownership.
“Has the council made a decision to close the New Norfolk Caravan Park,” Cr Hill asked mayor Michelle Dracoulis. “No, not that I’m aware of, and there are people living there actually,” Cr Dracoulis replied. Acting general manager Ron Sanderson also replied “no, that decision has not been made.”
Cr Hill thanked the mayor for her answer. “Unfortunately, there has been information circulated to key organisations – misleading and incorrect information stating that the caravan park is going to be closed,” he said. Cr Dracoulis stated her response that there was no intention at this stage.
“It’s sad that I hear about this at my place of employment [the Salvation Army], especially when it’s said it’s come from within council,” Cr Hill said. Cr Dracoulis said it would also have been distressing for the residents of the caravan park.
Shortly after this discussion, it was announced that the caravan park would be the subject of a confidential report – not listed on the agenda – when the meeting moved into its closed session. Later in the night, Cr Dracoulis told New Norfolk and Derwent Valley News that a contract to run the New Norfolk Caravan Park had been approved for the current operator.
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