'COVID brakes' being released

DESPITE the deadly COVID virus putting the brakes on caravanning and camping this year there is still a bright future ahead, according to the industry's peak body.

"We are optimistic about the future of the caravan and camping industry, especially as Australians look to support local business, reconnect with loved ones and spend time in nature after such a challenging year," Caravan Industry Association of Australia chief executive Stuart Lamont (pictured) explained.

His prediction comes after the newly released State of Industry 2020 Report outlined the industry's past performance and highlighted the opportunity for it to drive recovery.

Statistics show that for the first time caravanning and camping was the most popular holiday type for Australians last year, with 60 million holiday nights and 14 million trips.

Reflecting on the fact there are 24.8 million Australians and 8.4 million households, caravan and camping holidays has become an integral part of our national travelling behaviour.

Without a doubt, the industry has recently been overshadowed by an uncertain world where a devastating bushfire season coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic has firmly applied the brakes on what was an incredible period of growth for Australia’s caravan and camping industry.

Mr Lamont, said that while looking back at 2019 might seem unimportant in the current climate, the year marked important milestones for the industry.

SA's Renmark Paringa Council has reviewed its by-laws to offer a broader range of RV and camping facilities for budget-concious travellers. The changes reflect an increased demand for low-cost overnight stays and will mean some land previously set aside for tent camping at Plush's Bend (pictured) has been reallocated to encourage caravans, motorhomes and camper trailers at the site. Price Park will see designated and numbered sites established. SS Ellen Park will welcome camper trailers as well as recreational vehicles in designated and numbered sites. Both Plush's Bend and SS Ellen Park will allow recreational vehicles and camper trailers to stay for up to seven nights. New signage will be installed at each location, with the details in relation to the online bookings. "The changes reflect an increased demand for low-cost recreational vehicle and camping options in our district, resulting in an anticipated higher economic benefit derived from this segment of the tourism market," Mayor Neil Martinson said. Have your say

TWO men have been charged following a police operation at a caravan park on NSW's South Coast. Officers allegedly located and seized firearm parts, a gel blaster, prohibited weapons, a taser and prohibited drugs during the early morning raid on the park at Nowra. Two men – aged 38 and 44 – were arrested. The younger man was charged with possessing a prohibited drug and firearm. South Coast Police District Commander Superintendent Greg Moore said police would not tolerate criminal behaviour, adding that the raid formed part of ongoing targeting and disruption of criminal networks on the South Coast. "I would like to stress to the community that any information you might be able to provide about criminal activity in the area is extremely valuable," he said. "We rely on the community to be our eyes and ears on the street, and if you have any information that could help with our investigation we want to speak to you." Have your say

A NSW couple has joined the growing list of grey nomads who have scooped their fortunes on the lotto. The Hastings Point retirees, who are on a round-Australia sojourn, are $621,000 richer after dropping into an Emerald newsagent for a flutter on Gold Lotto. "We've been living in our caravan in Queensland for the past few months, so this means we can update it and get a new one," they said.  "Can you believe I was actually meant to buy a ticket into another draw ... this was actually the wrong ticket," the thrilled husband explained. Previous lotto winners include a couple of grey nomads from the Gold Coast who collected a cool $10 million. "When people are on holiday or travelling they are feeling very optimistic," a lottery spokeswoman told Caravanning News. "And that's when they decide to have a flutter. But there's no doubt about it, they are a lucky bunch." 

AUSTRALIA'S peak body for the caravan and camping industry has launched a new initiative which turns the spotlight on road safety. It comes as RV manufacturers enjoy a sudden boom in orders from would-be travellers planning to hit the road after being forced to abandon overseas holidays in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. They will join over 740,000 camper trailers, caravans and motorhomes already registered in Australia today.  

POLICE on Queensland's Sunshine Coast have urged caravanners to keep their property safe and secure during the upcoming school holidays. "Remember that although you may be holidaying, criminals continue to work," they warned. Popular items stolen are cash, liquor, jewellery, mobile phones, cameras, fishing gear, portable BBQs, fridges and electrical equipment. Security measures include locking doors and windows, keeping valuables out of sight and asking people in the next caravan to keep an eye on your 'van. "Report any suspicious people or behaviour to the park management or to police and use locking devices on tow bars," a police spokesperson said. Have your say

TOUGH new laws aimed at stopping travellers using dedicated heavy vehicle rest areas in Queensland are now in force. The changes follow continuing complaints from truckies about being squeezed out of some rest areas by inconsiderate caravanners using them as a cheap way to travel. Offenders risk being slapped with $266 fines. Queensland Transport Minister Mark Bailey explained that the roadside facilities were not a source of accommodation, with long-term camping prohibited on the state-controlled road network. "Changes to rest area and illegal camping laws will help solve the problem," he said. "The amendments clarify the rules for rest area use and camping. They provide a stronger, simpler enforcement mechanisms for the Department of Transport and Main Roads." Click here for rest area legislation.

WA's Royal Automobile Club has launched a Safe Travels initiative as more and more travellers than ever before take to its regional roads. And, corporate affairs general manager Will Golsby told Caravanning News, many were likely to be travelling on unfamiliar roads, for longer distances and towing a caravan for the first time. "With such a big increase in regional visitors, we want to make sure everyone gets to and from their destinations safely ... that's why we launched the initiative, which offers free vehicle safety checks and free caravan safety lessons to ensure more Western Australians are exploring our great state safely." For more information, click here.

A CARAVANNING family of five from Albany in WA has appealed for financial help after their rig rolled on Father's Day. Craig Smith, partner Anita Waru-Bridge and their three children escaped serious injuries in the frightening accident in stormy conditions near Augusta after attending a funeral. Their car and caravan were wrecked and the family says it will have no income for rent, groceries and "everything else" for several weeks. Anita has now set up a GoFundMe appeal to help them out of their predicament. "I never ask for help usually, but I don't have a choice," she said. "Our car is totalled, caravan is totalled and we have no money to get back to Albany let alone getting the car towed back there." The appeal has so far raised more than $2000 towards its $5000 target. Have your say

VICTORIA'S caravan manufacturing hub, which produces 90 percent of Australia's RVs, must remain closed for two extra weeks. The news comes after State Premier Daniel Andrews announced the extension to the September 13 COVID stage 4 restrictions. More than 50 RV factories fell silent a month ago after lockdown restrictions were introduced in the face of the worsening pandemic. Caravan Industry Association of Australia chief executive Stuart Lamont told Caravanning News today that the new roadmap meant the Victorian caravan trade industry, incorporating manufacturing, service and repair plus dealer and retail, will remain closed until September 28 at the earliest. He described it as a "disappointing result for our industry".  

NSW's Narrandera Shire Council has issued its own blueprint to help keep caravanning families safe during the school holidays. The council has expressed concern over the rising number of caravan accidents, with statistics revealing that between 2014 and 2018 there were 239 crashes in the state involving vehicles towing RVs. They resulted in 12 fatalities and 120 serious injuries. "Towing a caravan is far more complex than simply hitching one to your vehicle, as it adds significant weight to your vehicle," the council said.

CARAVAN Council of Australia founder Colin Young has fired a broadside at RV manufacturers over alleged misleading information on compliance plates. The professional engineer claims that up to 90 percent of plates fitted to caravans and camper trailers give false or incomplete information, particularly when it comes to ratings and masses. "The main and most serious problem is that many, for one reason or another, often contain grossly incorrect information which has significantly contributed to a disturbing number of problems, complaints and litigation issues," he said. Misleading tare mass and empty ball-loading figures were the most common issues. Mr Young said plates were fitted by manufacturers to provide an assurance to vehicle registration authorities and the buyer that the vehicle was fully-compliant with all prescribed legislation so it could safely be used on Australian roads. "Sadly, for far too many caravans, this is clearly not the case," he added.

INNOVATIVE peer-to-peer caravan hire and RV company Camplify reports a 125 percent increase in winter camping holidays compared to last year. In a new research report it labels 2020 as "the year of the local road trip". Founder and chief executive Justin Hales (pictured) said there had been a huge demand for hire RVs as families looked for socially distanced holiday options, particularly within their home states. "With overseas travel now on-hold for the foreseeable future, making camping accessible to Australians had never been more important," he said.

TWO new campgrounds have opened in the heart of wildflower country along WA's Turquoise Coast. Managed by the Parks and Wildlife Service at the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, the new facilities will help meet the growing demand for nature-based tourism in the region. Karda Campground is located 20km east of Jurien Bay adjacent to Lesueur National Park and includes 31 campsites suitable for all types of camping accommodation, including caravans. Wanagarren Campground is situated alongside the pristine waters of Jurien Bay Marine Park between Wedge and Grey reserves.

PREPARATIONS are well underway for Victoria's official Industry Virtual Caravan and Camping Show at the end of this month. Caravan Industry Victoria launched the new innovative show after restrictions and changes implemented by the state government. The show will be held between September 30 and October 4. Caravan Industry Victoria plans to make the virtual version one to remember. Chief executive Rob Lucas said the current situation with coronavirus, restrictions and lockdowns had been challenging not only for business but also for consumers. "Many are trying to support their favourite business by exploring their options," he said. "The Victorian Caravan and Camping Virtual show will provide visitors with opportunities to view and purchase a wide range of products from caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers camping accessories and travel destinations." For more information, go to https://victoriancaravanandcampingvirtualshow.com.au/

GUESTS in self-contained RVs arriving at the council-owned Scarness Caravan Park on Queensland's Fraser Coast this month will be in for a pleasant surprise. The park is being reopened, with guests offered discounted fees as part of Fraser Coast Regional Council's plan to progressively upgrade the site over the next 18 months. "The caravan park was partially closed due to COVID-19 restrictions in late March and then completely closed in June after testing identified the need to replace underground electrical cabling throughout the entire site," Councillor David Lee explained.

FLEETWOOD'S RV Solutions has showed "resilience" to the COVID crisis, according to the Perth-based company. Releasing its results for the 2020 financial year, Fleetwood said the sector, which comprises RV accessories company Camec and Melbourne-based caravan repairs and services company Northern RV, had stood the pandemic "relatively well". It reported that Northern RV continued to be a key strategic fit by broadening its market reach into recreational vehicle repairs, upgrades, rentals and import certifications. It would benefit as imports grew. RV Solutions' revenue for the financial year ending June 30, 2020, was $64.5m compared to $72.6m for the previous year. EBITA fell from $5.7m in FY19 to $3.7m in FY20.   Have your say

THE manufacturer of Coromal and Windsor caravans has landed $25 million in financial assistance as Australia continues to battle the coronavirus crisis. Brisbane-based multinational Apollo Tourism and Leisure has secured a two-year $15 million loan from the Federal Government's COVID-19 Export Capital Facility, which is designed to help previously profitable Australian exporters whose businesses have been impacted by the epidemic. It will also receive a $10 million loan for the same period from Queensland Government's Industry Support Package. Managing director and chief executive Luke Trouchet said the money would help his company navigate through a period of uncertainty.

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