Engagement open

Future use of Pear Tree Paddock Willunga
Opens: Loading... Closes: Loading...
0 days remaining

Have your say before the engagement closes.

The Willunga Recreation Park Incorporated (WRPI) has proposed the establishment of a low-cost recreational vehicle (RV) park at Pear Tree Paddock, Willunga, providing short-stay accommodation for up to 15 fully self-contained vehicles.

The proposed RV park would be operated by volunteers as a community service, offering overnight stays of up to three nights at a cost of $10 per night. The proposal aims to provide a low-cost accommodation option for visitors to Willunga and support local businesses through increased tourism and visitation.

To enable Council to consider this proposal, an amendment to the Community Land Management Plan (CLMP) would be required, changing the land classification from Natural Areas (Subcategory: Bushlands) to General Community Areas (Subcategory: Service and Social Facilities).

If approved, Council would also consider granting a lease of up to 5 years over a portion of the site. The proposal indicates that no vegetation would be removed, and only minimal infrastructure would be required.

Council is now seeking community feedback on the proposed Community Land Management Plan amendment, the RV park proposal, and the proposed lease.

View the frequently asked questions.

How we got here

In 2025, Council endorsed a Notice of Motion to undertake an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to identify potential future uses for a portion of land at Pear Tree Paddock that would provide community benefit.

The EOI process was open from 17 December 2025 to 6 February 2026 and resulted in six formal submissions being received.

The EOI process was designed to identify potential opportunities for the site and did not guarantee support for any proposal. The process also made clear that any future use of the land outside current zoning requirements would be subject to Development Approval and any associated statutory consultation requirements.

An assessment panel reviewed each submission against the criteria to agree on the Willunga Recreation Park Volunteers coming out as the preferred proposal.


Following the EOI process, the Willunga Recreation Park Volunteers were identified as the preferred proposal.

The group identified a portion of land at Pear Tree Paddock as a potential location for a community-managed, short-stay RV park.

The proposal includes:

  • A low-cost facility for fully self-contained caravans and motorhomes.
  • A maximum stay of three nights.
  • A proposed fee of $10 per night.
  • A community-managed model, with fees contributing towards site maintenance and operation.

The proposal is intended to provide a safe and affordable overnight stopping point for visitors while complementing existing accommodation options in the region.

It is important to note that Council has not approved the development of an RV park. The current engagement relates only to the proposed amendment of the Community Land Management Plan.

Any future development proposal would be subject to separate assessment and approval processes, including any required planning and statutory consultation processes.

About the site

Pear Tree Paddock is located at Allotment 27 (Reserve), Main Road, Willunga SA 5172.

The site is situated on the outskirts of Willunga, opposite the golf course and within the township's 50 km/h zone.

The land was previously occupied by the Southern Pony Club and has remained largely vacant for approximately three years.

Pear Tree Paddock is currently contained in Council's Community Land Management Plan as a Natural Area (subcategory: Bushland).

The land is contained in Deposited Plan 11199 and is comprised in Certificate of Title Volume 6136 Folio 156.

FAQ's

Loation map

Land portion map

Willunga Recreation Park Volunteers propose to utilise the land outlined in blue below, with the remaining area remaining natural bushland.

Land portion

What you can influence

The community can influence:

  • The future use of the land
  • Whether a change of land management plan is progressed
  • Whether a lease will be provided to the preferred proponent
  • Potential opportunities, benefits and concerns associated with the proposal
  • How the site should be designed, managed and operated to minimise impacts on neighbouring properties and the broader community.
  • Operating arrangements, including hours of access, length of stay, noise management and visitor behaviour expectations.
  • Traffic, parking and access considerations
  • Any local issues, risks or opportunities Council should consider before making a final decision

The community can't influence:

  • The final decision will be made by Council regarding the future use of the land
  • The Expression of Interest process that was undertaken and the selection of the preferred proposal
  • Legislative requirements, planning requirements or other statutory obligations
  • Matters controlled by external agencies or legislation
  • The requirement for any future development approvals or compliance obligation

Timeline

Timeline

  • Timeline item 1 - complete

    Initial request to council

  • Timeline item 2 - complete

    Expression of interest process

  • Timeline item 3 - complete

    Assessment of proposals received

    Proposals are assessed against criteria and a preferred proponent identified

  • Timeline item 4 - incomplete

    Community engagement

    Inviting the community to have their say on the proposal

  • Timeline item 5 - incomplete

    Council decision

    Community feedback is provided to council to assist in the decision making process

  • Timeline item 6 - incomplete

    Decision shared with community

    We'll share the engagement outcomes and council's decision, including what happens next.

Stay informed

  • Want to receive updates?

    Click the '+ Follow' button to receive project updates to your inbox.

Contact us

Contact Information
Name Danielle Thompson
Phone +61 8 8384 0666
Email mail@onkaparinga.sa.gov.au
In writing

PO Box 1 Noarlunga Centre SA 5168