They might have been open for half a year but the ribbon-cutting for two new accommodation options in Birdsville took place in November.
A caravan park upgrade, valued at $2.1 million, and the new Birdsville Lodge short stay accommodation, valued at $2.9m, have not only given visitors to the remote outpost plenty of sleeping options, they are expected to boost the local workforce sustainability.
A total of 78 people can sleep in the 49-room Birdsville Lodge, and the caravan park upgrade has provided another four two-bedroom cabins, a huge boost in a town realising its huge tourism potential but with only 12 motel rooms, three older cabins and pub accommodation.
Diamantina Shire Council mayor, Geoff Morton, said it was envisaged the Lodge would, over time, be used by bus tour companies, rallies, and conference-goers, as well as the general traveller.
“It is hoped by the council that this develops into a self-funding complex, as is the caravan park,” he said. “These types of projects are vital for council in retaining skilled staff and providing sustainability for our work force going forward.”
It contains a camp kitchen and site laundry, and all rooms are ensuited.
The new Lodge, together with the Birdsville Caravan Park, are the remotest properties managed by PRO Management, which has the Moreton Telegraph Station on Cape York and another outside Laura, as part of its portfolio of 19.
According to spokesman, Darren Beck, the two new accommodation options in Birdsville employ 13 people plus three casual wages.
“The Lodge has great siting, right beside the airport,” he said. “I see it as giving people more alternatives out here.”
The federal Member for Maranoa, David Littleproud, was on hand to open both the Lodge and the caravan park upgrade, along with Kim Mahoney representing the state government.
Each government provided $500,000 for the caravan park improvements, along with $1.1m from the Diamantina Shire Council, which saw three amenities blocks, two shower blocks, a laundry block, a camp kitchen, and 10 new powered sites put, along with the four new cabins.
Cr Morton said AUSCO had supplied and installed the building with council staff doing all the preparations, plumbing and electrical work.
“This will continue with sealing of internal roads, and installing grey water pits,” he said.
The $2.9m Birdsville Lodge also received funding from both state and federal governments and the Diamantina Shire Council.
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
