New operator sets holiday parks up to grow

In positive news for holiday makers long-term leases have been entered into at Burnett Heads and Miara Holiday Parks creating an opportunity for the popular facilities to grow.

Written tenders were invited from qualified and experienced operators to lease the Bundaberg Regional Council owned holiday parks for a term of 10 years.

Following the tender process, Bargara Beach Pty Ltd was awarded the tender for both holiday parks.

Tourism portfolio spokesperson Cr Steve Cooper said the new operational model was designed to attract proponents that could invest and grow the parks into the future.

“Visitor demand at the region’s holiday parks is ever increasing which creates an opportunity for a private operator to invest in the parks’ facilities so more people can visit and enjoy our region,” Cr Cooper said.

“Having an experienced tourism industry operator taking the reins and providing them the certainty of a 10-year lease means they can now invest in the park and its facilities.

“As a result of this change in the operating model we expect to see these parks continue to thrive and more visitors than ever before to enjoy what our region has to offer while staying at one of these holiday parks.”

Under the new lease agreements, the new operator will be responsible for all aspects of park operation.

Previously, the parks operated under management agreements, with Council maintaining oversight of daily operations and strategic direction.

Cr Cooper said the Miara Holiday Park had Long Term Holiday Site occupants and Council had been liaising directly with them throughout the process.

“Before going to tender we wrote to all long term and permanent residents to ensure they were aware of the process.

“Council has been working with the new lessee to ensure a smooth transition, including the transfer of these long-term lease agreements, to limit interruptions to the park’s day to day operations.

“In fact, this process has created an opportunity to add value and improve and build upon the holiday parks’ existing facilities.”

The new lease agreement commenced on 1 August 2025 for a period of 10 years.