Baw Baw Shire Council appears not to have advanced the implementation of Trafalgar’s proposed free recreation vehicle (RV) park at the recreation precinct to any great degree despite having the proposal since 15 September 2025.
Interim chief executive officer John Bennie advised the proposal’s author, Mick Bourke OAM the following day (16 September 2025) as follows:
“I acknowledge receipt of your proposal and congratulate you at the outset on the quality of the submission.
Cr. Brendan Kingwill mentioned the possibility of this initiative several months ago and I am pleased to now receive that.
I look forward to hearing the thoughts of our East Ward Councillors and Mayor Danny Goss, while advancing the proposal for internal consideration in the first instance.
I will now refer to Council’s Executive for appropriate consideration – including Community Infrastructure, Planning, Environmental Health and Economic Development-and will assign the initiative to one member who will engage and keep you informed of its progression.
I can immediately relate to the township (and Shire) benefits that could arise from this proposal and assure you that it will receive proper and timely consideration.”
A community engagement event was held in Trafalgar on 18 November 2025 at which the proposal was discussed and community feedback sought.
The author of this article was subsequently advised by Cr Kingwill on 4 December 2025 that “There was general support for the recreation reserve site so council officers will be looking more closely to trial something there.
“I expect we will get a report in the new year that will consider costs and benefits and how it will be managed, including enforcement, and any broader policy implications.
“The aim will be to make it happen. “
The appropriate manager’s details were provided who will be running with the initiative.
The manager has been contacted on at least two occasions this year, and he advises that the proposal is ’still on the list’.
The manager hasn’t been ‘pushed’ as it is understood that he has a heavy workload, however, time is moving on, with queries growing from Trafalgar people wanting to know the status quo of the project.
The author contacted Baw Baw Shire Council’s chief executive officer Tilla Buden, on 10 August outlining the situation (the above largely represents the email sent to Tilla).
She responded the next day saying that either she or the relevant manager will contact Mick ‘shortly’.
Council subsequently advised on 9 September that an additional person has been added to assist in the delivery of both the dump point and RV parking proposals.
The council official further advised that as camping is banned across the shire according to council’s Local Laws, this matter may need council consideration to permit the limited exemption at Trafalgar Recreation Precinct.
Evidence across Australia shows that there is a significant economic benefit to businesses within a community that has free RV camping available.
The ongoing delay in implementing the RV park is costing many of Trafalgar’s businesses. The benefits of a free, short-term RV stay area are varied:
- boost to local business revenue (estimated up to $100/day per RV). If four caravans/ RVs stay each day, that equates to $400/day ($2100/week spent in Trafalgar;
- enhanced visibility and visitation of local attractions and events;
- potential to gain “RV Friendly Town” status through the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia;
- increased tourism opportunities, further highlighting the natural beauty of the shire; and
- strengthened community facilities (e.g., dump point usable by local caravan/ RV owners).
