That’s the verdict of Goondiwindi Regional Councillor David McMahon and Talwood Hotel publican, Hamish Lindsay.

They would like to see a sign at the Talwood Recreation Grounds removed which says campers can only stay for one night removed.

“Encouraging caravanners to stay for more than one night in towns like Talwood and Toobeah was one of the issues raised on our listening tour earlier in the year,” Cr McMahon said. “Tourists are good for the town. The longer they stay, the better,” said Mr Lindsay.“Signs like this just discourage people from stopping. If they think they can only stay overnight, a lot of people decide to just keep on driving,” he said. That was nearly what happened when two travellers from the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia stopped in Talwood this week.

Margaret and Alan Benson are self-described “Grey Nomads”, who’ve been travelling around Australia in their van for over a year. “We stayed last night and we read the sign and were about to head off this morning, when Hamish told us we were more than welcome to stay for another night,” Margaret said.

“We come from a small town, and our three children went to a small school, so we were delighted to stay and enjoy the Macintyre Small Schools Athletic Carnival.”

Fellow travellers Brian and Carolyn Crow from Nerang on the Gold Coast, have not been on the road quite so long, but suggested council could install an “Honesty Box” so people could make a contribution towards the cost of power and water.

“People want to do the right thing,” Carolyn said. “That sounds like a good idea,” said Cr McMahon