Recreational Vehicle (RV) Parks in Alexandrina
Update May 2025
At the 19 May 2025 Council Meeting, a report was presented to receive the community engagement results and determine the next steps.
Council received and noted a report outlining the community engagement outcomes and next steps for progressing the proposed locations for the development of RV Parks in Strathalbyn, Mount Compass and Goolwa.
Council received 320 responses during community engagement in November last year. Responses were received from across the nation, including 174 respondents from outside the Council district, 97 of whom were from interstate. Overall, the community was very supportive of the Council establishing RV Parks within the region, with 92% of respondents in favour. Read the full Community Engagement Report.
Next steps:
- Mount Compass: Council did endorse a recommendation to run an 'Expression of Interest' (EOI) process for the development and management of a RV Park within the Sam Court Reserve.
- Strathalbyn: Council voted against a recommendation to run an 'Expression of Interest' (EOI) process for the development and management of a RV Park at Parker Avenue (adjacent the rail station and Visitor Information Centre).
- Goolwa: Council resolved not to progress the concept of an RV Park within the Barrage Road Reserve, due to its unsuitability, and that Council will continue to pursue possibilities for an RV Park in the future at the other locations in Goolwa. (A report to Council stated that Barrage Road Reserve is part of the Ramsar-listed Coorong, Lakes Alexandrina and Albert wetlands and any RV Park would need to be assessed and approved by the Australian Government.)
- Langhorne Creek: Council gave approval for Administration to progress a Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) "RV Friendly Town" accreditation.
Read the full Decision and Council Report.
Alexandrina Council is exploring the creation of short-stay Recreational Vehicle Parks in our district with Council Members resolving in August 2024 to proceed to community consultation on three proposed locations:
- Strathalbyn – The area adjacent to Parker Avenue and behind the Visitor Information Centre
- Mount Compass - Sam Court Reserve (behind the IGA)
- Goolwa - Barrage Road Reserve (adjacent PS Federal).
Council considered a scoping study report at its 19 August 2024 General Council Meeting. This study looked at all the main towns in the district to assess their suitability for RV Parking facilities and the potential for 'RV Friendly Town' accreditation.
To qualify for accreditation with the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) as an RV Friendly Town, there are a set of essential criteria that must be met which include:
- provision of appropriate parking within the town centre, with access to a general shopping area for groceries and fresh produce
- provision of short-term, low-cost overnight parking (24 to 48 hours) for self-contained RVs, as close as possible to the town centre
- access to potable water
- access to a free dump point at an appropriate location.
Council is now seeking community feedback on three proposed locations in Strathalbyn, Mount Compass and Goolwa. Council is also seeking feedback on whether the community believes there are other sites that have the potential to be converted to a short-stay RV Park.
Council's proposed short-stay RV Parks are not designed to compete with caravan parks. They are proposed for overnight stays or stays for three nights maximum. They would fill a gap in towns where there is a shortage of RV parking and overnight spaces.
How to submit feedback
- By Mail - please direct written submission to alex@alexandrina.sa.gov.au or
by post to Att: CEO, Alexandrina Council, PO Box 21, Goolwa SA 5214, or - In Person - where you can complete a hard copy survey at the Strathalbyn or Goolwa offices.
Council will accept submissions regarding the proposal to create short-stay RV Parks until Friday, November 29, 2024, at 5 pm.
For further information, please call Council’s Civil and Transport Engineer on 8555 7000.
