“The contract is expected to be signed in the coming week,” Federation Council’s deputy general manager Jo Shannon stated in a joint report last week for council’s monthly meeting on Tuesday.
And at Tuesday’s meeting she told councillors: “We have the preferred supplier and finalising the arrangements for the contractor.”
A further report will be presented to council’s March meeting on the subject which will also include questions raised by Crs David Bott and Derek Schoen.
Cr Andrew Kennedy said as one of the councillors involved at the start of the Ball Park situation, he is keen to see action. “The caravan park is a great asset, and it needs external investment,” he said.
Cr Bott welcomed the report by Ms Shannon and General Manager Adrian Butler and is keen to see progress. He enquired about the length of lease and what council is hoping to return – “if council has a figure in mind”.
“We have some indicative figures and been working with industry experts as to what council can expect,” Ms Shannon said.
“In our negotiations, Cr Bott said, “we should make Ball Park the priority – it’s costing council money every day. Ball Park must be the main priority.”
Mr Butler responded: “I think that’s a fair point.
“We have the KVE coming to Ball Park in March and some other exciting events including the Australian Panel Van event at Ball Park in 2026.”
Cr Pat Bourke disagreed Ball Park should be the priority. “Both parks have waited long enough,” he added.
Council has empowered its General Manager to negotiate with current managers (Remlap Pty Ltd) of the Ball Park Caravan Park, to extend the contract or negotiate a new short-term contract, whilst the long-term lease process is being finalised. The current management contract expires on May 30, 2025.
Council has conducted an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to engage an industry specialist to progress long term options for the two parks, in line with the April 2024 resolution.
Options provided to council will include expansion of the camping area of the Urana Caravan Park and finalisation of the plan of management. Under the EOI, the preparation work is expected to take 4-5 months, with then at least several months being required for advertising, assessing and if successful, engaging a firm, under a new long-term lease.
Cr Derek Schoen wants to see a time limit applied to actions. “I think three to four months should be ample,” he said. Mr Butler said council will have a better idea come the March meeting.
The contract between council and Remlap Pty Ltd to manage the Ball Park Caravan Park is in the final year of a four-year contract.
“The process to transition fully to a new long-term lease for the park management is expected to take around eight to nine months, possibly longer,” Mr Butler said.
“Accordingly, it is recommended that negotiations be conducted with the current managers to extend the contract, or negotiate a new short-term contract, whilst the long- term lease process is being finalised.”
Mr Butler said that significant feedback has been received from the community supporting the full re-development of Ball Park Caravan Park.
“Proceeding with this project is considered to give council the best option to enable this to occur, by entering into a long-term lease where a firm can then over time, develop the extensive infrastructure required,” he said.
Cr David Harrison said it was a good time for council to start negotiations.
Referring specifically to Ball Park, he said: “The current managers have done an excellent job, and I do hope they are considered for the continued managerial role.”
In her history-making acting mayor role for about two hours while Mayor Cheryl Cook was required at another meeting, Cr Rowena Black said she was excited about the parks’ developments and looking forward to seeing results by the consultants.
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