Lithgow Council has thrown its support behind the Australian Caravan Club's National Muster set for October next year. With a report to go up for public comment later this year.
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The event will be held at the Tony Luchetti Sportsground and Showground in Lithgow, with an estimated 200 caravans in attendance.
After a number of ongoing discussions with the Australian Caravan Club, Lithgow has been chosen as the preferred location for their National Muster, though nothing is set in stone.
In a report prepared by Senior Economic Development and Destination Manager Andrew Powrie he said this was an opportunity for Council to host a national event using the Tony Luchetti Sportsground and Showground.
"The grounds offer excellent proximity to the Lithgow City CBD. Lithgow is the preferred destination for 2022 and an Events Attraction Package Application has been submitted," he said.
"This is a seven-day once a year event that attracts members from across Australia and the Australian Caravan Club indicates up to 200 RV/Vans could be in attendance.
"The event rotates between states on a yearly basis, so this is a notable Australian-wide annual event."
Mr Powrie's report estimated that with over 175 RVs or caravans, visitors would spend an average of $77 a day over a seven day period. The direct economic impact on Lithgow would be $91,875.
"On top of that would be the marketing and word-of-mouth opportunities around bringing a national event to Lithgow," he said.
The cost to accommodate the National Muster, based on requirements presented by the Australian Caravan Club, is in the vicinity of $42,000.
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Staff will confirm the precise cost by January 31, 2022, and the precise cost will constitute the event fee which the Australian Caravan Club will be paying in full before the event is held.
Councillor Wayne McAndrew said that Lithgow had seen more camping activity at Lake Wallace over the past months.
"This is just a further example that Lithgow is starting to become an area where caravan operators and caravan users and the like are looking at our community to come and stay and that's a massive positive," he said.
Cr Joe Smith said he thinks that it will be a 'great event' for the town and that it had been 'a long time coming'.
Cr Cass Coleman said it was a great opportunity for council to host a national event.
"We should try and get as many of the villages and township involved as possible so that it provides Portland, Rydal, Tarana and Wallerawang with economic growth as well," she said.
General Manager Craig Butler will negotiate a licence agreement, as per a draft memorandum of understanding, with the licence agreement then being placed on public exhibition. Council will then authorise the General Manager, if no submissions are received during the exhibition period, to enter the licence agreement.
If any submissions are received during the exhibition period, the matter will be returned to Council for final determination.
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