Tourism WA is working on the plan which Tourism Minister Kim Hames hopes will be completed this year It will identify "gaps" in the road system where facilities are not available for caravanners and recreational vehicle drivers — particularly water supplies, toilets, showers and waste disposal sites.
Dr Hames said it was important to make caravanning as attractive as possible, especially with 20 per cent of WA's population retired or approaching retirement. With more disposable income available, these people were likely to consider caravanning as a holiday option — and an alternative to cheap overseas holidays.
"There are two aspects to making caravanning more enjoyable," Dr Hames said. "It is important that we have enough caravan parks in key towns around the State to be able to cope with peak-period demand."
"But the journey to these towns also needs to be comfortable."
"I am told that most caravanners like to travel at about 85km/h about four or five. hours. SO that means they need stopping facilities every 300-350km. That's our aim."
Dr Flames said the caravan-friendly town of Wongan Hills was a good example of what could be achieved.
"I am told visitors to the town have increased fivefold in recent times — largely from the caravan market," he said. "Having that many people coming to the town is obviously good for everyone, including the local businesses.
"We want to create lots of Wongan Hills all over the'State."
Tourism Cceincll chief executh Evala Hall said caravanning wt important to the tourism industr because it helped ensure loca took their holidays in WA.
But he said it was important tl proposed new caravan stops did re have an adverse impact on esta lished caravan park owners an businesses.
Dr Haines said representath bodies for local caravan and recr ational vehicle owners would he] create the network plan.'
He would then approach Regioi al Development Minister Brenda Grylls for Royalties for Regior money.
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