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Facility upgrades planned for Pingelly as Shire looks to boost accommodation capacity

Campbell WilliamsonNarrogin Observer
An excerpt from the Shire of Pingelly's Caravan Park Master Plan.
Camera IconAn excerpt from the Shire of Pingelly's Caravan Park Master Plan.

The Shire of Pingelly is seeking expressions of interest for the purchase of chalets at the shire caravan park in a move that would boost its capacity and upgrade facilities.

It comes after the council knocked back a proposal to introduce glamping accommodation at last month’s council meeting, expressing concern over the security of glamping tents.

Despite efforts to increase tourism in the region through initiatives such as the Driver Reviver program and Pingelly Recreation and Cultural Centre, a lack of suitable accommodation remains an issue in Pingelly.

The council has instead decided to develop accommodation at the caravan park in accordance with the Shire’s master plan.

The Shire is now seeking expressions of interest to purchase chalets at the Pingelly Caravan Park for the cost of $120,000 to $150,000. “These two initiatives are similar, in that they are for short-term accommodation funded through private investment, however the end result is different in that the chalets to be constructed will be vandal resistant and will be at the Pingelly Caravan Park as outlined in the masterplan,” Shire chief executive Andrew Dover said.

“The discussion at the council meeting was to progress the Pingelly Caravan Park master plan through an expressions of interest request for investment in chalet accommodation and then leverage this through grant funding to complete the overall master plan, including upgrade of the facilities, beautification of the park and provision of additional powered sites.”

Each investor would be the full owner of their chalet and receive the profit after expenses from their investment.

Mr Dover said it would help fill an accommodation gap in Pingelly.

“There is a lack of short-term accommodation in Pingelly, both for workers and visitors,” he said.

“The addition of more short term will allow workers and visitors to stay in town bringing economic growth by frequenting our local eateries, shops and services.

“This ... also provides opportunities for locals to responsibly invest in their region and support local jobs and local people.”

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