RV-friendly status putting Woodford on the map
Woodford will drive tourism to the Moreton Bay Region after being awarded RV Friendly Town status yesterday.
Mayor Peter Flannery and Councillor Tony Latter (Div 12) proudly unveiled the town’s two new RV welcome signs - which were installed at each end of Archer St - at the Woodford Community Council Meeting.
Mayor Flannery says the new status is a big win for businesses, who will see a major increase in tourism dollars being spent at local cafés, shops and the Woodford Hotel.
“Woodford is already an iconic destination of south-east Queensland, with many day-trippers choosing to visit from Brisbane via our beautiful scenic hinterland tourist route, but this will put us on the map from a national level,” he says.
“RV owners will be able to see this nationally recognised accreditation through the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA) and know that Woodford accommodates for them, which will significantly boost the economic potential for local businesses.”
Mayor Flannery says there are more than 620,000 RVs nationally, with owners spending an average of $770 a week at each place they visit.
“We’re working with our local business champions on how best to meet the needs of these travellers and maximise that potential,” he says.
“Woodford is an easy drive and is a great base to explore the pristine local environment.”
New network
Moreton Bay Region Industry and Tourism chairman Shane Newcombe says the accreditation will open Woodford and the Moreton Bay Region up to a whole new network of tourists through its association with Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia.
“CMCA actively promotes RV Friendly Towns through its website, so the status gives Woodford and the region a real boost,” Mr Newcombe says.
|“It also gives visitors the chance to explore areas they may not have been to before – or to return to their favourite places.”|
Woodford had to meet a certain requirements to gain RV Friendly Town accreditation, including access to low cost, low amenity parking close to the CBD.
Important amenities
Cr Latter says RV drivers can also access water, a dump point and parking spaces for larger vehicles in the town centre, with access to groceries and fresh produce.
“Woodford’s historic wide streets are perfect for RVs to pull into and we have all the amenities and services that RV campers need on their travels like grocers, medical services, post office and even a vet for those who travel with their pet,” he says.
“Of course, many people would also know the iconic Woodford Folk Festival and Woodfordia site, but there are so many other reasons to visit this historic and charming place.”
Cruice Park on Cruice Drive is free for short stays of up to 20 hours and The Showgrounds at Neurum Rd offers unpowered sites for $15 vehicle, per night for up to a week.
A list of RV Friendly Towns can be found here.