The Mt Somers Domain campground will remain open until mid-April this year, but close over winter while the Mt Somers Reserve Board explores new ways of operating the facility.

The board has been reviewing campground operations, to ensure it runs as cost-effectively as possible.

Board chair Nathan Huggins said the board had planned to offer only unpowered sites from March, but feedback from the community had encouraged it to keep all facilities open until 13 April.

“Then we’ll use the winter break to do some long term planning, taking into account some of the really constructive feedback we received when we shared our change proposal with the community last month. It was great to see people supportive and passionate about Mt Somers.

“We’ve taken on board what has been said and over the next few months we’ll be re-evaluating the campground operation and looking at new ways to create efficiencies and reduce costs.”

Group Manager of Community and Democracy Toni Durham said Council had been helping the reserve board implement the changes it wanted to make.

“After reading the feedback, the board, with the support of Council, chose to make some amendments to its original change proposal but it also decided to progress other aspects, including the disestablishment of the part-time caretaker role.

“The winter shutdown will be from 13 April to 24 September, though the full campground and facilities will be available for one-off events during that time on request and with the approval of the reserve board.

“They aim to have a new system in place for re-opening on 25 September, ensuring the campground can continue to be enjoyed by returning and new campers to Mt Somers.”