Fitzroy Island Campground, which was reopened under a new management agreement in the lead up to Christmas, is set to become one of the best managed facilities in the tropical north.
 
Council staff were on the island last week working out details of an agreement with the Fitzroy Island Resort management team to operate the facility.  This new agreement will embrace a raft of measures ensuring visitors and the local community have the best possible experience when camping on the tropical isle.
 
Council CEO Lyn Russell said the Council owned facility was situated adjacent to the resort, making the management agreement ideal for both parties.
 
“Just before Christmas, Council initiated an in-principle management agreement with the resort owners.  We are now ensuring that agreement is formalised,” she said.
 
“In working on this innovative partnership with the management of Fitzroy Island Resort, Council will be able to provide an enhanced range of services to the island including tourism development, environmental and infrastructure services and planning advice."
 
Ms Russell said the new management agreement would ensure visitors to the island had staff on hand at all times to assist and enhance the Fitzroy Island experience.
 
“The resort management team lives on the island, so staff will be on hand round the clock to attend to campground matters.  It is a win-win situation as the resort has the opportunity to offer visitors an expanded choice in accommodation.
 
“The campground is a short walk from where the island boats pull in, so is an ideal spot.”
 
The facility offers campsites with electric barbeques and a shower and toilet block.
 
“The camping area is surrounded by National Park and is right on the beach so the grounds are an environmentally sensitive spot on the island.  Details such as preventing and clearing of noxious weed infestations, where to place recycle and waste bins and confirming the specifics of the various land tenures will be on the agenda for the meetings today and tomorrow,” Ms Russell said.
 
“The camping ground is a beautiful spot for families and visitors. To ensure the environmental sustainability of it and the island as an iconic destination, we are creating a long term plan in collaboration the resort owners and QNPWS.
 
“Members from our economic development and innovation team will visit with management tomorrow.  Fitzroy Island Resort is a business representative of a significant sector of our local economy.
 
“Understanding the specific issues facing the business and exploring prospective future business relationships will be on the economic development team’s agenda.”
 
Fitzroy Island Resort General Manager Buddy Byrd said it was important to make the island’s campground appealing and ensure its accessibility to tourists and locals.