Chamber Welcomes Reopening of RV Rest Stop as Boost for Proserpine Businesses

The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry has welcomed the reopening of the popular Proserpine RV Rest Stop, recognising it as a positive step for tourism and local business activity — just in time for Easter travellers.

Located behind St Catherine’s Church on Main Street, the free 48-hour stopover will operate during the dry season (April to October) for fully self-contained vehicles, providing a timely boost to Proserpine’s visitor economy.

The facility was previously closed by Council in 2023, with local businesses subsequently reporting a noticeable decline in customer activity.

Chamber President Allan Milostic said the reopening highlights the importance of accessible, traveller-friendly infrastructure in supporting regional communities.

“The reopening of the RV Rest Stop is a practical step that will bring more visitors into the heart of Proserpine and directly benefit local traders,” Mr Milostic said.

“It creates more opportunities for travellers to stop, stay and spend — supporting our cafes, retailers and service providers.”

The Chamber acknowledged the contribution of its Proserpine Sub-Committee and local businesses who informed the Proserpine Business Impact & Tourism Opportunities Report, which supported advocacy efforts to reopen the RV Rest Stop.

Key findings from the report include:

• More than half of businesses saw an immediate uplift when the park opened in 2019, with some reporting up to a 10% increase in sales
• 68% experienced a decline in customer traffic or sales following its closure in 2023
• 85% supported reinstating a free or similar RV facility
• 70% identified the need for a centrally located Visitor Information Centre

“These findings clearly demonstrate the value of the RV Rest Stop to the local economy,” Mr Milostic said.

“We thank Council for listening to the business community and recognising the role this facility plays in supporting economic activity in Proserpine.”

The Chamber will continue to work with Council and local stakeholders to maximise the opportunity created by the reopening.

“This is an important step, and we look forward to building on this momentum to further strengthen Proserpine as a vibrant and welcoming destination,” Mr Milostic said.