Caravan parks

Caravan Parks in the Mackay local government area are governed by council’s Subordinate Local law No. 1.8 (Operation of Caravan Parks) 2011

There are three (3) types of Caravan Park Approvals:

Caravan Park Approval
Includes operating a facility on a commercial basis which provides a place for parking and residing in caravans, tents, camper trailers, self-contained recreational vehicles and other complementary accommodation (i.e. cabins)

RV Friendly Caravan Park 10 sites or less
Operating a facility which provides only a place for parking and residing in ten or less self-contained recreational vehicles with a maximum of three (3) consecutive nights stay. See RV Friendly Caravan Park Approval fact sheet for further information

RV Friendly Caravan Park more than 10 sites
Operating a facility which provides only a place for parking and residing in more than 10 self-contained recreational vehicles with a maximum of three (3) consecutive nights stay. See RV Friendly Caravan Park Approval fact sheet for further information.

Key definitions

Operation of Caravan Parks – means to operate, on a commercial basis, a place for parking and residing in caravans, including a place that provides also for complementary accommodation.

Caravan -
(1) A caravan is a trailer -
(a) designed principally for residential purposes; and

(b) designed to be attached to and towed by a self-propelled vehicle; and
(c) that, as originally designed, was capable of being registered under a law of the State about the use of vehicles on public roads.

(2) Also, a caravan is something -
(a) not fitted with wheels; and

(b) not designed for permanent attachment to land but designed for attachment to a motor vehicle and for use for residential purposes.

(3) In addition, a caravan is a self-propelled vehicle -
(a) that -
(i) is designed to be used both as a vehicle and for residential purposes; or

(ii) was designed to be used solely as a vehicle but has been modified to be suitable for use both as a vehicle and for residential purposes; and
(b) that, as originally designed, was capable of being registered under a law of the State about the use of vehicles on public roads.

Self-Contained Recreational Vehicle – means a vehicle that has on board cooking, sleeping and toilet facilities and can (a) hold fresh water; and (b) store greywater and blackwater.

How to apply

An annual approval is required to operate a caravan park in the Mackay Local Government area.

A Caravan Park Approval Form or RV Friendly Caravan Park Approval Form must be lodged with council with the relevant fee and supporting documentation prior to operation.

In the event an existing caravan park is sold, the approval for that caravan park must be transferred and applicable fees paid. Council highly recommends prospective purchasers request a Health Requisition Enquiry or Inspection prior to settlement.

Once a caravan park is sold, the new owner and/or approval holder is responsible for all outstanding requisitions and applicable approval fees.

For further information regarding approval and operation of a caravan park, contact council’s Health and Regulatory Services team on 1300 MACKAY (622 529) or email council@mackay.qld.gov.au

Caravan parks in the Mackay local government area are governed by council's Subordinate Local Law No. 1.8 (Operation of Caravan Parks) 2011.