Bridgewater Public Caravan Park to reopen this Saturday

Published on 07 December 2022

The Bridgewater Public Caravan Park will reopen this Saturday 10 December, following works to the park after its closure in October due to flooding.

The caravan park was closed on 8 October when the Loddon River reached moderate flood level. It then sustained damage following the major flood event at Bridgewater on 14 October.

Loddon Shire Council Mayor Dan Straub welcomed the reopening of the caravan park.

“The reopening of the Bridgewater Public Caravan Park this Saturday is very much welcome news – and comes in time for the busy holiday season,” Cr Straub said.

“The reopening is not only a positive for Bridgewater itself, but will also be a major boost for tourism and our local economy, delivering significant economic benefit to businesses right across the Loddon Shire.

“Tourism, accommodation and food services generated more than $10 million in economic output for Loddon Shire in 2021 and directly employs 75 local people.”

The caravan park required a range of works to get it back up and running, including plumbing, electrical works – such as sewer pumps, barbecues, and fire services.

A number of other general works were undertaken; including repairs to the caravan park’s jumping pillow, swimming pool, garden beds and replacement of the playground’s soft fall.

A pop-up camp kitchen has been made available with tables and chairs until the permanent camp kitchen is reinstated.

Cr Straub acknowledged all involved in getting the caravan park ready for reopening.

“I’d like to thank everyone who helped get the Bridgewater Public Caravan Park up and running again, including Council staff, Contract Managers Tim and Wendy James, Resident Managers Darren and Rhonda Marshall, local contractors – it was a real team effort,” Cr Straub said.

“I’d also like to acknowledge local Bridgewater businesses and the community, who have been very supportive of the efforts in reopening the caravan park.

“Thanks to all this amazing work and support, the Bridgewater Public Caravan Park is looking fantastic and ready and open for visitors,” Cr Straub added.

Bridgewater Public Caravan Park Contract Managers Tim and Wendy James said the weeks since the caravan park flooded were emotional, stressful and a constant work in progress to reopen the gates.

“It has been a team effort with strong leadership and guidance by the Loddon Shire and we sincerely thank the team – in particular [Loddon Shire staff members] Christine Coombes and Cameron Last during this difficult process,” Mr and Mrs James said.

“We personally also acknowledge our managers Darren and Rhonda Marshall, who have been on the frontline during this process and worked extremely hard to achieve the reopened status.

“Let’s all enjoy the festive and summer season.”

Sites are still available at the caravan park for this weekend. Call the Bridgewater Public Caravan Park on (03) 5437 3086 to book your site now.