Noosa’s network of holiday parks has experienced a record year financially as Australia’s love affair with camping and caravanning continues.
The Noosa Holiday Parks performed strongly in the financial year 2022/23, with revenue 12.7 per cent higher than the previous year and at record levels, a recent report revealed.
The report, mentioned at the Noosa Council Services and Organisation Committee Meeting on Tuesday, outlined the parks earned $4.2 million in revenue.
It also noted visitation levels had increased 22 per cent from the previous financial year, which was “the highest recorded annual visitation at Noosa Holiday Parks”.
Noosa Holiday Parks comprises the council-operated Noosa River Holiday Park, Noosa North Shore Campground and Boreen Point Campground.
“The revenue of $4.2 million achieved in financial year 2022/23 is an increase of $481,000 from the previous financial year period, representing an annual increase of 12.7 per cent,” the report stated.
“An operational surplus of $1.237 million was achieved in financial year 2022/23, exceeding budget expectations by $472,000.
“The Noosa Holiday Parks accommodated 61,219 visitors during financial year 2022/23, representing an overall economic contribution of $25 million (GDP) and an employment contribution of 202 FTE jobs.”
The report noted Boreen Point Campground’s revenue increased 23.3 per cent, while Noosa North Shore Campground saw a 23.5 per cent increase and Noosa River went up 5.1 per cent.
The revenue totals since the 2017/18 financial year have shown substantial increase since the pandemic.
Revenue in 2017/18 totalled $3.2 million compared with $3.8 in 2020/21, which was the second highest result in the five-year period.
Visitor numbers to the parks remain strong, after Noosa Council indicated in March this year that occupancy numbers to December 2022 were above average.
The current report revealed there were an additional 11,062 people to the parks in the 2022/23 period.
“Boreen Point Campground achieved a 19 per cent increase in visitation, or 3018 additional individual visitors,” the report said.
“Noosa North Shore Campground also performed strongly, with 3949 additional individual visitors increasing the annual visitation level by 21 per cent.
“Noosa River Holiday Park accommodated an additional 4095 visitors.”
The strong bookings and revenue are predicted to continue, with current forward bookings for financial year 2023/24 already totalling $2.52 million.
“Financial performance trends and market demand indicates that the Noosa Holiday Parks is well positioned for robust financial sustainability, visitation and positive economic impact into the future,” it said.
Financial surplus from the Noosa Holiday Parks business activity is used to offset general rate increases otherwise required to fund non-revenue-generating council activities and programs.
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