Published on Friday, 18 October 2019 at 1:43:51 PM
Survey data indicates that more than $1 million was injected into the local Hedland economy by this year's visitors to the Town of Port Hedland RV Overflow Park.
Over the course of Hedland’s peak tourist season - July until the end of September - 2160 vans and caravans visited the park located adjacent to the Port Hedland Racecourse.
Hon. Commissioner Fred Riebeling said visitor survey results showed there was a direct positive flow-on effect for local businesses by allowing free access to a place within Hedland for self-contained travellers.
“Port Hedland is perfectly located for self-driving tourists who are travelling between the Kimberley and Karijini, or the Ningaloo Reef.”
“With the availability of the park, we were able to capture many extra visitors who may have only stopped briefly for fuel and supplies before moving on.
“Our survey results showed that most visitors spent at least two nights and many indicated they would not have stayed if it wasn’t for the availability of the free RV Overflow."
Other key takeaways from the approximate 1500 surveys that were collected included:
- Almost 90 percent of respondents were more than 55-years-old, indicating the park was very popular with ‘grey-nomad’ travellers.
- The vast majority of reported spend was in retail, followed by mechanical and hospitality.
- Approximately 40 percent of respondents were repeat visitors to Port Hedland.
This year the Town was fortunate enough to engage volunteer caretakers, Mr and Mrs Scarle, who helped the town with necessary upkeep and supported the guests.
“We are extremely appreciative of the efforts of Kevin and Debbie Scarle who went above and beyond their duties as volunteer caretakers,” Hon. Riebeling said.
“Not only were they extremely friendly and welcoming to their other fellow travellers, but they helped us compile the survey results we used to understand the RV Overflow’s effect.”
The Town of Port Hedland’s RV Overflow Park is open all-year-round and available to self-contained travellers for three days at no charge.
For more information on the program, click here.
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