THE BOORINGA Action Group of Mitchell (BAG) has applauded a council decision on Wednesday to pass a motion that will progress its application to become an RV Friendly Town.

BAG president Jeff Watson said the result was an important step in the right direction to increase visitor numbers at Mitchell.

"Tourism is vital to the local economy, so if we can get our RV-friendly application up we can provide another point of attraction to the travelling public,” he said.

"The applications have to be approved and lodged by council, and the fact they've demonstrated good faith towards the community by putting the application forward is a really big thing for the town and district.”

Mr Watson said the RV Friendly designation could make the town a more welcoming prospect for travellers looking for a place to stay.

"The touring market has moved on in the past 20 years - most people are now self-contained, meaning they have the capability to pull up anywhere they wish,” he said.

"Being accredited as RV Friendly will allow visitors to feel comfortable parking their vans and moving freely around town without all the difficulties that come with moving a big vehicle.”

Concerns regarding water consumption by travellers were raised at the council meeting, with the viability of charging RV owners for using water discussed.

"At the number of passing vehicles anticipated, I don't see levels of water consumption as a major problem,” Mr Watson said.

"If you're getting somewhere near 100,000 vans a year, then there would be a case for charging motorists as, ultimately, the community pays for the water.

"I'd love to see that many vans pull up each year and I don't think many of them would mind paying for it,” he said.

"It's not as if they haul massive amounts of water around - but I recognise the legitimacy of the concern into the future.”

Major Mitchell Caravan Park owner Craig Hilly said RV Friendly accreditation would encourage travellers to stay.

"I think if we were RV Friendly, it would be a good thing for the town,” he said.

"We'd also like the speed limit reduced to 40km/h which could mean passing motorists would stop and spend their money.

"Neighbouring towns such as Morven and St George are RV Friendly so why aren't we?”