BY TYLER FARDELL
Kurri Kurri residents and business owners will be hoping the new free camp site aimed at tourists travelling through the Hunter Valley, will bring money into the local economy and revitalise the town.
Many of the businesses in town have been struggling since the construction of the Hunter Expressway and the mining downturn, and many local's are hoping passing tourists will stop for a night and spend money.
Cessnock Councillor and Kurri Kurri business chamber member Rod Doherty in confident the free camp site on Allworth Street, which opened last month, will attract a lot of passing tourists.
Mr Doherty says the new camp site is particularly focused on people travelling with caravans or motor-homes.
"We hope tourists will stay the night, load up on fuel, stop for coffee and see the murals."
Also in the works is a revamp of the Kurri Kurri CBD, which would further improve the town's image to visitors.
"The council has just consulted some contractors to do the design work for the CBD. We need Kurri Kurri to be more attractive than it currently is."
