Dusty unsealed roads, patchy scrub and toilets are the only
features of the Twelve Mile Delta Recreation Reserve, which
is set for development by Doc and the private sector. Photo
by James Beech.
The Department of Conservation (Doc) is hoping to attract
lease interest from private operators to develop the popular
but basic Twelve Mile Delta Recreation Reserve into a "new,
family- and environmentally friendly, affordable and safe
camping ground".
The Doc Wakatipu area office began advertising that it was
seeking proposals in a bid to enhance the 6ha camping ground
that will serve campers for the long term.
The camping ground was likely to feature toilets, showers and
a food preparation facility, as well as a suitable
accommodation building for a camping ground manager.
Alongside the concessioned camping ground, Doc intended to
build and manage a new day-use amenity area along the Twelve
Mile shoreline to include picnic areas, walking tracks,
toilets and improved access from the Glenorchy road.
Wakatipu area manager Greg Lind said Doc considered
developing and operating an enhanced campsite itself.
"However, it is of the view that as this is not its core
business, the opportunity should be given to the private
sector.
"A number of campsites on public conservation land in New
Zealand are run by private businesses operating via a
concession with the department. This is a common
arrangement."
Mr Lind said operators had to demonstrate how their proposal
would meet the expectations of the department, as described
in the request for proposals package available to interested
parties from the area office.
Selection would be based on how the various proposals met Doc
expectations.
If a proposal was selected the proposer would be invited to
apply for a concession for the activity.
The Twelve Mile Delta Recreation Reserve is 12km from
Queenstown along the Glenorchy road and hosts 1250 campers a
year.
Fees were currently $7 per night per person, but future fees
would be determined as part of the conditions of concession,
along with the ongoing management and maintenance of the
completed campsite.
Proposals were to be received by Doc by November 28.
The target period for the opening of the camping ground to
the public was summer 2009-10.
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