Community & Business

24 May, 2023

Housing crisis boosts caravan park numbers

CARAVAN parks in the Mareeba Shire are experiencing a spike in patronage by permanent users, with council attributing the increase to the housing crisis and the return of backpackers to the region.

Mareeba’s Riverside Caravan Park accommodated permanent residents for more than 700 “nights” during April, up by more than 100 from the same period last year, while Dimbulah’s caravan park is also attracting permanent stays, with more than 350 “nights” recorded for that month.

At last week’s meeting, Cr Mario Mlikota noted the big increase at the Riverside facility, commenting that the rise in patronage could be an indication of the impact of the current housing shortage.

Mareeba Mayor Angela Toppin said the rise could also be as a result of backpackers returning to the region.

Council is currently constructing a new ablution block at the park which is nearing completion.

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