Paid camping and on-site caretakers planned for Lake Proserpine

Whitsunday Regional Council is moving forward with plans to further upgrade and develop the camping area at Lake Proserpine by moving to a commercial model and appointing on-site caretakers.

Council completed Stage 1 of the Lake Proserpine Master Plan in 2019 creating a revitalised camping area, including waterside bush camping sites, new public toilets and showers, designated fire pits, upgraded picnic facilities and three new fishing pontoons to improve access for boaties.

Mayor Andrew Willcox said Council recently submitted an application for $2.5 million funding from the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.

“Lake Proserpine is the jewel in the crown for Proserpine and it is important we continue to develop and upgrade the area,” he said.

“Only a few years ago we had minimal facilities here and now we have a popular camping area with new pontoons, shower facilities, upgraded toilets and improved picnic areas.

“I am proud that my Council is delivering on the Lake Proserpine Master Plan because we have a unique opportunity to provide a world-class camping and nature-based tourism experience for the Whitsunday region.

“Having hundreds of vehicles each week travelling through Proserpine during peak season will create an estimated average spend of $385 on provisions and services per vehicle.

“This means an economic injection into the region of up to $7.95 million annually and the potential to create an extra 58 jobs.”

Mayor Willcox said that if the Building Better Regions funding was approved the future upgrades planned for the area will include the construction of 10 cabins with boat and trailer parking and 30 powered campsites.

“These improvements will open a new target market for Lake Proserpine for those visitors who want a higher standard camping experience.”

Chief Operating Officer Aviation and Tourism, Craig Turner said that due to the popularity of Lake Proserpine since the 2019 upgrades, it was ideal timing to appoint caretakers and move to a commercial model by introducing paid camping.

“It is important that we continue to develop the facilities so that visitors have a great experience,” he said.

“By introducing minimal campsite fees, we can appoint caretakers and open the kiosk to provide an improved level of service for visitors.

“The aim is to keep it casual, as the appeal of camping at Lake Proserpine is the authentic outdoor experience.

“It will still be a relaxed environment; it will still be bush camping and people can still choose their sites for a little slice of paradise.

“From July 1 we will be charging a small fee of around $8 per night and increasing the maximum stay from three to seven nights.

“All fees will be reinvested back into Lake Proserpine and help cover the costs of employing the caretakers and maintaining the facilities.

“We will soon be advertising for the on-site caretakers and this will ensure visitors have a safe and enjoyable camping experience,” Mr Turner said.

To find out more about Lake Proserpine, visit our online engagement portal - Your Say Whitsunday.