This is a part of Council’s application to have Crookwell recognised as an ‘RV Friendly Town’ by the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA).

The Roberts Street car park in Crookwell had been identified by the Tourist Association as a possible short-term overnight parking site for RVs and caravans.

A Draft Plan of Management for the Roberts Street Car park in Crookwell was placed on public exhibition for 30 days, to gauge community feedback.

Many submissions were received, which raised concerns relating to traffic management, noise disturbance, a reduction in available car park spaces and the cost associated with rubbish removal and the use of water and the dumpsite.

In one of the objecting letters to Council, Ms Seaman suggested the Pat Cullen reserve along the Kiamma Creek area to be more suitable and only a short walk to services. She suggested in her letter the Roberts Street car park should be kept as parking space for businesses and workers away from the main street.

The Kennedy family also opposed the car park for overnight parking of RVs as they feel the noise level of towing vehicles late at night and first thing in the mornings will be increased. They also mention in their letter that the extra cost associated with rubbish removal, water and the use of the dump point at the caravan park will be borne by ratepayers.

Ms Cullen has indicated in her letter to council, published in the September business papers, that RVs have already ‘informally’ started to use the car park overnight. Ms Cullen also points out the concerns about traffic congestion and unloading of trucks with deliveries of one local business in that area. She said the upgrade of the facilities would be very welcome.

The Crookwell Progress Association has also written to Council objecting to the car park change of use. The Association points out extra costs will be incurred to monitor the term of ‘free parking.’ They also say the decrease of parking spaces will be affected for funerals and shop workers. The Association also raises the point that it is a little unfair to charge those a fee for camping in a tent at the caravan park whilst large vehicles in this car park get to stay a night for free.

Mr and Mrs Hanley’s letter outlined the current use of the car park should stay as is. They stated in their letter the provision of such a facility in a residential area could increase security concerns and noise to adjoining residents. They expressed that the RV space should be located towards the outskirts of town.

There was also petition sent to council with eight [8] signatures saying ‘No’ to the change of the car park use.

Councillors voted not to adopt the Roberts Street Carpark Plan of Management.