I was thrilled to be at the opening of the new accommodation facility at the Batlow Caravan Park today, alongside Mayor, Ian Chaffey, Deputy Mayor, Trina Thomson, and Councillors Brent Livermore, James Hayes and Sam Hughes.

This is another chapter in the remarkable story of the Batlow community!

The new accommodation was built on part of the old cannery site, and is a replacement for the hostel that was burnt down in the Dunns Road bushfires of 2020. The site holds much historical relevance, with the hostel being in the old hospital building, which had been the accommodation for the famous Women's Land Army during World War II.

I would like to once again congratulate Snowy Valleys Council on their completion of this work. The first units went up immediately after the fires of 2020, at considerable risk to Council, who saw it important to provide accommodation at that time.

I am very much looking forward to my next visit to Batlow Caravan Park - my favourite caravan park! - and hopefully meeting some of the workers and tourists who will stay in these wonderful facilities!