Situated right on the banks of the beautiful Gwydir River, the Riverside Caravan Park is a true gem of the Gwydir Shire
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A new caretaker's residence will be constructed at the park and an amenities block will be upgraded after receiving a state government grant. More than $230,000 will be injected into the Riverside Caravan Park.
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall visited the caravan park with Gwydir Shire Council's Carmen Southwell and caretakers Chris and Margarite Butler.
"For the first time in the park's history a permanent caretaker's residence will be built on site meaning there is somebody available 24/7 to maintain the grounds and support visitors.
"The residence will be a three bedroom kit home with office, which council hopes could one day house a family when the caretaker's position next becomes available.
"Council will also use the funds to modernise the female toilet facilities which were built in the 1970s, by installing laminated petitions and exhaust fans."
Ms Southwell said caravan tourism had become a major contributor to the Gwydir Shire's economy.
"Over the past year Gwydir Shire Council has worked tirelessly to promote Bingara as a caravan friendly town," Ms Southwell said.
"We already have brilliant facilities at the Riverside Caravan Park and it's hoped by upgrading the toilet block we will open the venue up to a wider visitor base.
"Word of mouth is the absolute best marketing tool and the higher the quality facilities we have the more likely tourists will be to stay overnight and spend money in our fantastic retail shops and eateries."
Mr Marshall said the visitor economy had become a financial life line for many small towns during the drought.
"It is estimated tourism brings $14.67 million into the Gwydir Shire each year," Mr Marshall said
"I look forward to continuing to work with local stakeholders to make the most of the tourist dollar and ensure communities have facilities which keep holiday makers coming back to town.
"I congratulate Gwydir Shire Council on the work it has done promoting and drawing visitors to the region through fantastic events like the recent Happy Days Orange Festival."