Copyright abc
Private storage facilities say there is an easy fix to unlock the caravan street-clogging crisis, and local councils hold the key. The Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast councils presented a joint motion at the Local Government Association Queensland (LGAQ) conference last week, calling for the state government to implement laws that restrict on-street parking for recreational vehicles. The motion was passed and will now form part of the LGAQ's advocacy platform on behalf of councils. Owners with insufficient space may need to source private storage vendors who are already swamped with demand if laws are implemented. Merryn Austin from Bionic Storage at Landsborough said there was an easy fix to the issue, but council zoning laws would not allow it. "A few years ago, we were trying to get a zoning change on a block out at Caloundra to store caravans, which was a bit of a grey area in the planning scheme," she said. "The state government did approve for us to have caravans there, but council really didn't want it because it would cause a change in zoning." The block of land was located near the Caloundra racecourse and was zoned as a rural property, not industrial. "If they relaxed the laws a little bit and allowed people with acreage or rural properties to accommodate vans, instead of only allowing it for industrial zoning, that would help the problem," Ms Austin said. "A lot of people could make use of their land, but then it comes down to them running a commercial business on rural land, which becomes a whole new issue." Better planning needed Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli presented the motion at last week's LGAQ conference, and it was supported by an overwhelming majority. "This is an issue impacting our council and others across the state, with residents complaining about safety concerns, a lack of available parking and neighbourhood streets that are clogged and ugly," she said. "We receive 700 complaints a year plus thousands of signatures on petitions, and we are not alone. "We are calling for the state government to assist us with legislation to manage this for our communities." Caravan Trade and Industries Association of Queensland chief executive Jason Plant said councils needed to get strict on new housing developments. "Some of these new housing developments don't allow a lot of space for vehicle movement down the streets, let alone the ability to park and store products within their property," he said. "I think better planning needs to be considered when looking at these new developments to ensure that there is space to accommodate for the people that live there, for their lifestyle choice as well." Mr Plant said he was concerned about the potential impact on regional tourism. "We acknowledge there are concerns about congestion and harmony that are genuine and deserve attention," he said. "There would be far-reaching unintended negative consequences if that were to occur, as far as tourism goes." Market concerns Caravan dealerships are concerned potential changes may dissuade people from buying caravans. Carvan HQ general manager Robbie Cochrane called for a compromise. "It's a bit of a tricky one really because, if we can park caravans [on street], it's better for our business," he said. "You've also got to be mindful of the people around you and your neighbours. "You've got to keep everyone happy — it's not a one-way street."
