THE only free, permanent-stay campsite in the region is providing a massive boon to the Nyah district, with patrons speaking highly of the facilities and the town.
According to a report conducted by Balranald Shire Council, the Nyah Recreation Reserve Camping Area is the only 24/7 free campsite across all Balranald’s neighbouring councils (including Wakool, Deniliquin, Wentworth, Mildura and Hay).
The report, requested by the shire’s councillors to investigate the benefits of possessing non-commercial RV facilities, said 20 to 30 people were known to stay at the Nyah campsite each day.
It also remarked: “Nyah is reaping the benefits of the RV facility where RV travelers spend within the town with groceries, fuel and the eateries there”.
This view was corroborated by Margaret and Robert Paterson, RV owners from Hobart who have been traversing the continent from top to bottom over the past 12 months and who have visited the Nyah site twice over now.
The Patersons say RV travelers – or “grey nomads” as they are colloquially referred to – are often happy to give back to the communities which host them for free, helping them stay within their budgets as a result.
“We like to spend a bit of money in the small country towns that we stay in,” Mrs Paterson said.
They were also complimentary of the welcome extended to them by Nyah Lions Club member who takes care of the facilities, Geoff Bradbury, saying it encouraged them to branch out and visit Nyah West as well.
Nyah West Market Café owner Debbie McManus agreed RV travelers provided an extra source of business, with even the local op-shop and men’s shed benefiting from it.
“At the moment that’s what whole little towns are based on, because they’re bringing so much money into the town,” Ms McManus said.
“With the men’s shed the men wander up and have a look at that… because they’re on a tight budget, they all go to the op shop there.
“I get a spin-off from that, because they call in and get a cappuccino afterwards.”
For more on this story, grab a copy of Monday’s Guardian (November 9).
