General News
8 November, 2026
New direction for caravan site
THE long-silent grounds of the former River Drive Caravan Park in Innisfail are poised for a major transformation, with Cassowary Coast Regional Council formally approving a four-year ‘facility use agreement’ at its monthly ordinary meeting.
Located at 7 River Avenue in Mighell, the council-owned riverside site has remained closed since November 2025.
Council made the decision to cease operations following years of substantial financial losses.
Historical usage data revealed that outside the peak June-to-August tourist window, occupancy dropped dramatically, causing the park to operate at a continuous loss.
Rather than allowing the facility to remain idle, council conducted a public expression of interest (EOI) process early this year.
Although the initial tender yielded no suitable candidates, subsequent negotiations brought forward a joint proposal from two prominent community entities: Radiant Life Education Limited and Goondoi Arts Aboriginal Corporation.
Under the recommended resolution, council will grant the joint venture a four-year agreement running from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2030, at an initial annual fee of $10,478.65.
The site will pivot from a standard caravan park into a multi-purpose community, educational and cultural destination.
Approved activities include a campground, educational and eco-tourism programs, a marine science research hub, and a training centre complete with ranger coordination.
Both organisations bring local roots and specialised expertise to the project:
Radiant Life Education Limited: A registered non-profit charity operating Radiant Life College in East Innisfail. According to its website the organisation focuses on providing tailored educational pathways, support, and cultural connection for First Nations children and disadvantaged youth across the region.
Goondoi Arts Aboriginal Corporation: Founded and directed by local traditional custodians – taking its name from goondoi, the Aboriginal word for the cassowary. The corporation says it delivers environmental stewardship, ranger initiatives, and Indigenous tourism experiences “across Country”.
To bypass standard public tender requirements under a section of the local government regulation 2012, council is relying on community organisation exemption provisions.
Council officers evaluated the joint proposal against a competing bid from a private caravan operator, concluding that the Radiant Life and Goondoi model offered superior long-term viability.
Officers noted the joint proposal was “the most financially sustainable and provided the greatest potential economic benefits for the region,” aligning with market research from Tropical Tourism North Queensland.
The agreement also shifts all maintenance responsibilities and ownership of site improvements to the new lessees, removing them from council’s asset register.
According to the report submitted by council’s principal property and leasing officer Mark Valente, the decision will deliver a net annual financial benefit of $148,604 to council after factoring in rates and utility expenses, alongside total annual depreciation and operational savings of $175,405.
Addressing potential concerns regarding drive tourism, council officers emphasised that three alternative caravan parks operate within three kilometres of the site.
Council received no adverse public feedback following the park’s closure.
Read More: Innisfail