Burrendong State Park Trust chairman Mick Madden said upgrades were needed to meet Government licensing requirements.

The Trust has applied for Government funding to cover the work but Mr Madden doesn’t hold much hope of a positive response.

“For some time now we have been told the Trust must be self-sufficient,’’ he said.

“Important improvements include new amenity blocks, fire mitigation and work on the existing golf area and tennis courts.

“The money has to come from somewhere and the Trust has discussed the possibility of a low-interest Government loan paid off by a levy on our 300 site holders over several years.

“The levy has been under discussion for some time but we are yet to make a final decision.

“Site holders will be consulted but won’t have a final say on the levy.’’

Suggestions of a levy are alarming news for long-time Lake Burrendong and Mookerawa State Recreation Area users.

Ross Larsen believes some site holders won’t be in a position to pay and he fears there could be a mass exodus.

“People won’t take this lying down,’’ Mr Larsen said.

“Some will be determined to fight the levy, others could simply pack up and go.’’

Mr Larsen said regular park users already faced hefty annual fees ranging from $800 to $2500 and many had spent large amounts of money improving sites and installing their own toilet facilities.

“It’s unsettling to hear about a proposed levy through the media and not directly from the Trust,’’ Mr Larsen said.

“There has been no correspondence on this matter and a levy isn’t mentioned in the latest Trust newsletter to site holders.’’

Mr Madden said the Trust had been trying to obtain private investment to alleviate financial pressure on site holders.

“We have to look to the future,’’ he said.

“The days of government pouring large amounts of money into state recreation areas is long gone. The work under consideration is important and is not some aimless wish list.

“Trust members have been fending off criticism for a long time and we get sick of site holders complaining. If they want facilities improved they have to pay.’’