'Opportunity to collaborate welcomed'

Caravan industry congratulates new Labor PM and his team

AUSTRALIA'S peak national body for the caravan industry has congratulated new Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his team on forming government. Caravan Industry Association of Australia chief executive Stuart Lamont (left in picture) said the ALP had always been strong supporters of the industry, and it welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with them on issues of importance to the sector. "These include improving supply chains and workforce shortages, supporting a resilient and sovereign manufacturing industry, identifying instruments to improve the insurance market, and ensuring domestic tourism is strongly positioned in the visitor economy. "The caravanning and camping industry is worth over $23 billion to the Australian economy annually and we look forward to working constructively with the new Albanese Government in making the industry safer, sustainable and more compliant."

BEWARE, SCAMMERS ACTIVE

MORE and more would-be caravanners are being caught up in on-line caravan and RV sales scams. They are being robbed of tens of thousands of dollars as the unscrupulous crooks make off with their hard-earned cash. Northern Territory Consumer Affairs Commissioner Sandra Otto has warned them to do their homework and be very aware that scammers are out there trying to get their money. Fraudsters are advertising bargain-priced caravans online, then making excuses to convince buyers not to view the RV in person, encouraging them to make their purchase 'sight unseen'. Caravanning News posed as a potential buyer. Read more by clicking here.

More than 220 exhibitors

Let's go to one-stop show for caravans and other RVs

Queensland’s largest caravan, camping and outdoor event will throw open its gates at Brisbane Showgrounds on June 7. The six-day Let's Go Queensland Caravan and Camping Supershow will offer a one-stop shop of outdoor fun where aspiring or experienced adventure-seekers can explore, plan and kit themselves out for the next big road trip – be it on or off the beaten track. More than 220 exhibitors will be showing off their latest models. Caravanning and camping has continued to be the preferred holiday option since COVID struck more than two years ago,

ADVENTUROUS caravanners veering off the beaten track near Queensland's historical gold mining town of Mount Perry may find themselves suffering from tunnel vision. More and more intrepid travellers in RVs like the above pictured Boroma are discovering the historical and abandoned heritage-listed railway tunnel, which in the early 1880s formed part of the Bundaberg to Mount Perry railway line. Hewn by hand from solid rock at Tunnel Road about 30km west of the rum city of Bundaberg, it is regarded as the longest unlined and non-supported tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere and still bears pick-axe scars. The quirky new grey nomads' attraction is regarded as a great feat of engineering in a beautiful rural location. It is regularly home to local bats and now forms part of the Bicentennial National Trail. Have your say

  'Adventure tourism playground'

Off-grid adventure holiday park planned for Lake Macquarie

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PLANS are underway for a new off-the-grid holiday park at Lake Macquarie in NSW aimed at eco-tourists and adventure travellers. Lake Macquarie City Council has won NSW Government funding to develop part of the 30ha site off Freemans Drive, north of Cooranbong, to include 20 bespoke cabins made from recycled shipping containers, along with 60 camping sites. Holiday Parks Coordinator Garry Ellem said it would use solar-powered amenities, rainwater harvesting and onsite sewage treatment. Ecotourism has grown to become a major sector of the tourism industry in Australia, employing more than 14,000 people and contributing annual revenue of $1.6 billion, according to peak industry body Ecotourism Australia. Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser (pictured) ‒ who is said to have overseen the transformation of Lake Macquarie into a regional powerhouse in NSW ‒ said the new venue would help cement Lake Macquarie's status as an adventure tourism playground.

Jury finds man guilty on three charges

Caravanner jailed after overweight rig crashed, killing two family members

A CARAVANNER has been jailed for at least two years after his overloaded RV was involved in a fatal accident on NSW's Oxley Highway. Tamworth District Court heard that Stephen George Russell's caravan was at least 800kg overweight and swayed uncontrollably when he began to slow down, causing his rig to career into a tree. His 72-year-old wife Lynette and 38-year-old stepson Stephen died. A third passenger was seriously injured. The crash happened near Walcha in 2019. The jury found Russell guilty of two counts of dangerous driving causing death, and one count of causing grievous bodily harm. He was found not guilty of intending to pervert the course of justice. Have your say

'Existing infrastructure is ageing'

Fraser caravan parks set for safety and comfort improvements

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FOUR caravan parks will be spruced up under master plans released by Queensland's Fraser Coast Regional Council. New offices/manager residences, wider internal roads and larger sites are among the key elements planned for the Pialba and Torquay beachfront parks. Cr Jade Wellings said the council had engaged SGL Consultants to prepare the plans for the tourist parks at Burrum Heads, Scarness, Torquay and Pialba to ensure they were commercially viable and met current standards and visitor expectations. "The existing infrastructure in the parks is ageing and needs replacing and the parks need upgrading to suit modern 'vans, especially RVs," she said. The plans for the Pialba and Torquay parks focus on improving the safety and comfort of guests, changing the layout and site sizes while also improving access from the Esplanade. They were adopted following feedback from residents, businesses and park users. It is anticipated that the Pialba and Torquay redevelopment projects will be completed by late 2025. The project will be delivered in multiple successive stages to ensure that the parks can remain open in sections as work progresses. Funding has been allocated in the council's 10-Year Capital Works Program.

'More comfortable stays'

New toilet facilities for Yorke Peninsular camping sites

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SOUTH Australia's Yorke Peninsula Council will install more toilets at its bush camping sites to create "a more comfortable stay" while protecting the sensitive environment. The move follows a $140,000 grant through the State Government’s Recreational Fishing and Camping Facilities Program to improve popular bush camping sites earlier this year. The funding will be used for eight new toilet facilities. A further $40,000 has been contributed through the council's existing budget for an extra toilet plus two bush camp toilets which have been approved through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Programme. "Our bush camping sites are becoming increasingly popular and we are excited to make the stay more comfortable for visitors," Mayor Darren Braund (pictured) said. "Council works hard to create a positive user experience and I congratulate staff for their proactive approach. Camping has many impacts on the environment, including toileting waste, so providing sufficient facilities will help ensure the environment is not overly impacted." The toilet infrastructure is expected to be installed by the end of the year.

Police appeal for witnesses

Woman's body found in burnt
out caravan at Victorian park

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Experts are investigating after a woman's body was found in a burnt out caravan in Victoria. Police were attending the Goulburn Valley highway caravan park to make contact with the woman, who was believed to be inside the RV, when it erupted in flames. She is still to be formally identified, but it is believed to be the 64-year-old resident of the caravan. An arson chemist later attended the scene. Police said there was nothing at this time to indicate the fire was suspicious. Anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

  'Make a bushfire survival plan'

Hot advice for campers pitching in NSW's Southern Tablelands

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NSW's Rural Fire Service is encouraging caravanners and campers in the Southern Tablelands area to be fire-wise. Operational Officer Mitchell Butler said fires and barbeques should be placed at least two metres from flammable materials, on an existing fire site or cleared area where the wind will blow flames away from camping sites. "Make sure you always extinguish your fire and turn off fuel lanterns and stoves before you leave or go to bed ... heavy fines may apply if campfires or other open flames are left unattended," he said. Campers were also advised to ensure gas cylinders are vented away from a caravan, and to never drop or discard lit cigarettes or matches. "But most importantly, make a bush fire survival plan and discuss it with your family or travelling companions. Know what you will do if threatened by fire," Operational Officer Butler added.

Family wins $90,000 campervan in Camp Quality raffle

 JAYCO Newcastle and Camp Quality have named the winner who will receive a $90,000 Campervan and $10,000 in cashable gold. Debby Myers from Barwon Heads, Victoria, said she was shocked to receive the good news, adding: "Camp Quality is a charity that will forever be close to my heart, so it was a no-brainer purchasing a raffle ticket for the cause." She said her family had always wanted its own campervan and couldn't wait for the "many exciting adventures to come". The raffle was a huge success with over 28,500 tickets sold, raising over $900,000. Have your say

'Economic powerhouse'

Pollies urged not to forget the caravanning industry before polls

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AUSTRALIA'S political parties have been urged not to forget the caravanning and camping industry when they deliver their final pleas before voters go to the polls on May 21. The Caravan Industry Association of Australia is calling on them emphasise the benefits that a strong Australian caravanning and camping industry provides to the economy. The association said the industry had been adaptive throughout the COVID-19 crisis and stood ready to continue leading domestic tourism and automotive manufacturing as Australia recovers. It had put forward a simple four-point policy platform set to generate highly leveraged returns to the Australian recovery in employment, investment and economic activity. Chief executive Stuart Lamont, pictured, said there was no better time for the government to be looking for strategic investments and sound policy agenda into traditional industries which were looking to invest, develop and pivot to the new economy. "Caravan and camping in Australia is too often looked at as a comfort recreational activity, as opposed to an economic powerhouse which delivers across manufacturing, retailing, tourism and affordable housing," he said.

'We cannot wait to welcome them'

Woolcock Construction engaged to build caravan and motorhome dealership

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JAYCO Adelaide has engaged award-winning Woolcock Construction to build the city's first purpose-built caravan and motorhome dealership within Adelaide Airport's West Beach precinct. The massive two-hectare development will feature a Let's Go Motorhome branch, providing travellers with the option to easily rent an RV to explore SA's attractions. "As a proud South Australian family-owned company, we're thrilled to be able to continue to grow and develop our new purpose built dealership," Jayco Adelaide chief executive officer Matt Slee said. "We really wanted to offer South Australians and visitors the opportunity to purchase, service and rent their RVs in one easy, state-of-the-art facility before escaping the city and exploring everything the open road has to offer. Adelaide Airport executive general manager (property) James Sangster said it was great to partner with successful SA businesses like Jayco Adelaide while again building on Adelaide Airport’s vibrancy and connectivity. "We think Jayco's wonderful products and services combined with the airport's central and easily accessible location is a natural fit, and we cannot wait to welcome them to the airport precinct."Construction will be completed in April next year.