THE closure of the Half Moon Caravan Park in Brooklyn could leave Hobsons Bay residents with no- where to go. The caravan park is set to be auctioned off on 3 March if not sold prior to that date.

There are two caravan parks in Hobsons Bay, The Hobsons Bay Caravan Park in Williamstown North has 119 registered sites, six available for casual tenancy while the remainder are occupied by long-term tenants.

The Half Moon Caravan Park in Brooklyn has 62 registered sites, although the number of sites occupied and available varies.

Hobsons Bay mayor Bill Tehan said there was demand for low-cost housing throughout Victoria, and that the issue was not specific to Hobsons Bay.

“According to statistics from the Department of Human Services, there are approximately 1200 properties in Hobsons Bay that are used as social housing,” he said.

Prior to Christmas, there were 11 rooming houses in Hobsons Bay registered with council, with two applications pending.

However some of these may not renew registration for 2010.

“In the event of the park’s closure, the council has a protocol in place which outlines strategies to assist with the transition of residents into alternative accommodation,” Cr Tehan said.

He said Metrowest would assist with transition and the council would provide a supportive role and assist with the co-ordination of other associated outreach services.