COUNCIL is looking into potential new RV parking sites to make the Redlands more appealing for travellers and bring outside dollars into the area.
At Wednesday's meeting, councillors voted for officers to investigate opportunities for RV overnight parking in the Redlands.
A report will be brought to a meeting in three months.
Division 1 councillor Wendy Boglary said with restrictions on interstate travel, many people were holidaying in Queensland and it was important to encourage visitors to the Redlands.
"Any outside dollars we can get into our local businesses is very welcome at the moment," she said.
"Hopefully within three months we can have it up and going before the next lot of large holidays."
Division 9 councillor Adelia Berridge said more RV spots would have benefits beyond COVID-19.
"We have a severe shortage in overnight accommodation for sporting groups so this would fit perfectly with their needs," she said.
For years, there have been discussions about RVs in the Redlands, with dump points set up at Cleveland and Capalaba in 2015.
At the time, Cr Boglary said there would be huge economic benefits for the Redlands being listed as an RV Friendly Town, a title bestowed on towns by the Caravan and Motorhome Club of Australia.
The closest RVFT is Beenleigh.
Division 10 councillor Paul Bishop said any RV sites would have to be carefully managed.
"The people who we imagine as RV overnight parkers aren't always the postcard version of who arrives to take advantage of facilities and open spaces," he said.
"It's important that officers come back with information on how we can manage this in a way that's befitting for the community."
Division 3 councillor Paul Golle said some residents were interested in hosting travellers on their own properties.
It comes as council invites expressions of interest for the development and operation of a tourist park on MacArthur Street at Alexandra Hills.
Council bought the land in 2018 after years of negotiation with the state government.
Mayor Karen Williams said council encouraged proposals that preserved of the site's values while providing a range of accommodation types like RV spaces, camping and glamping.
Division 7 councillor Rowanne McKenzie said expressions of interest were invited from parties who already had experience in developing and operating tourist parks.
"Ideally, council would like to see an operator willing to invest in infrastructure that would also benefit the broader community, such as a water play park and connections to nearby recreational trails," she said.
For more information, visit the project page on Council's Your Say site.
