Pay to join park queue

• Payment for permanent park spot a sign of the times. 

By Tony Scott,
JUNE 02, 2021

There’s been a mixed response to Dorset Council’s decision to take over control of permanent sites at the Bridport Seaside Caravan Park.

Under a new policy the council instituted a fee for people to stay on a waiting list for the few vacancies that come up each year.

A letter inviting people to consider retaining their place on the list for a cost of $50 was sent out about two weeks ago.

The Mayor Greg Howard said it amounted to a simple case of supply and demand.

“If people really want to keep their chance of getting a permanent site they pay, much like membership of the Melbourne Cricket Club, but the price is a bit higher there.”

There’s been a waiting list for sites over many years, but this is the first time people have had to pay to stay on it.

 Director of Infrastructure Dwaine Griffin said there are only about two to six sites come vacant each year of the 43 in the park.

A permanent site costs about $3500 a year.

Mr Griffin said while the waiting list had been quite long many people on it may reconsider when they have to pay to stay on it.

Some people on the waiting list have been outraged at being asked to pay for the privilege of staying there but Mr Griffin says the overwhelming response he’s encountered has been positive because the council has put in a structure backed by the new policy.