BADGES OF HONOUR FOR REFLECTIONS
Happy campers at Reflections Holiday Park, Copeton Waters

REFLECTIONS Holiday Parks located on Crown land are celebrating after scooping badges of honour from online travel platform Tripadvisor. Twenty-two of the group's parks throughout coastal and country NSW have been named 'Travellers' Choice 2022' after ranking in the top 10 percent of properties and consistently receiving great guest reviews over the last 12 months. Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said the commendations would boost tourism in regions like New England and the North West where holiday parks are located adjacent to Lake Keepit and Copeton Dams. Meanwhile, Reflections Holiday Parks chief executive Nick Baker said positive Tripadvisor reviews reflected the ethos of all Reflections' parks to care deeply about the guest experience. "Our staff are committed to providing great holiday experiences and take pride in the great feedback they get from guests. I’m so proud of all our park teams," he said. Have your say.

'Well placed to capitalise on sector'

Mildura moves to grab a bigger slice of RV market

  Have your say

THE Victorian northwest city of Mildura has moved to capture a bigger slice of Australia's $10 billion caravanning and camping market.

Local councillors have endorsed a new RV, Caravan and Camping Strategy to encourage more grey nomads and other travellers to include the Murray River city in their travel itineraries.

The plan includes turning Mildura ‒ which boasts paddle steamers and houseboats, wineries, bars and restaurants ‒ into an RV-friendly city.

Economic Development councillor Stefano de Pieri said the Sunraysia region was already well-placed to capitalise on the rapidly growing sector.

"There is already a broad range of RV, caravan and camping facilities across our municipality," he explained.

"Combined with our location between three states, our natural tourist attractions and strong hospitality industry, we're very well positioned to take the next step in terms of breaking into this lucrative market."

He believed the strategy would ensure the region capitalised on the potential.

"This will not only benefit industries directly involved, but the broader community through increased spending in our region," Cr de Pieri said.

   'Outstanding' rating

'Lifetime opportunity' as park's lease hits market

VICTORIA'S Moira Shire Council is looking for someone to take over the lease of its award-winning Numurkah Caravan Park. Chief financial officer Matt Jarviss said the park was located on a picturesque bend of Broken Creek and presented a "lifetime opportunity to live and work in an idyllic setting with loyal return visitors". The park was recognised as the third best in the state with an "outstanding" rating and a guest review score of 9.1 out of 10. The successful applicant will lease the caravan park from the council for a maximum term of 21 years and will be responsible for its management, operation, maintenance and improvement works. Expressions of interest must be received by the council before 4pm on Friday, September 16. Have your say

Last seen heading south

Pink and white caravan stolen from roadside

POLICE are hunting thieves who made off with a pink and white caravan from the side of Queensland's Bruce Highway. The RV from yesteryear was stolen from the roadside about 40km north of Gin Gin on August 6. Reports indicate it was seen a short time later travelling south towards Gin Gin. It carried the Victoria registration number C25336. Anyone with information should contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting. They can also report online at ww.crimestoppersqld.com.au. Quote this reference number: QP2201340613.

Association remains very optimistic

Caravan, camping industry again exceeds expectations

THE caravan and camping industry has again exceeded expectations. In its newly released report for January to December 2021, the Caravan Industry Association of Australia said there had been record highs throughout various sectors, with an astonishing $23.8 billion impact on the Australian economy annually. "Despite the fluctuating economic challenges, the caravan and camping industry continues to thrive," it said. While the broader tourism industry remained constrained due to international border closures and global travel restrictions, the sector had strongly rebounded from 2020, generating 12.6 million trips, over 50 million nights and $7.4 billion in visitor expenditure. "The caravan and camping industry remains uniquely positioned in being able to offer product, services and experiences that can adapt to differing economic conditions and cater to varying tastes and budgets," the association said. "Thus, despite global uncertainties and rising inflation having impact on consumer confidence we continue to remain very optimistic about the future of the industry and the contribution that it makes to the health and wellbeing of Australians in the economies of many regional and rural communities around the country." Have your say

Managing director 'delighted'

Milestone as New Age's 20,000th chassis rolls off production line

New Age Caravans and Walkinshaw Group are celebrating a special milestone this week after its 20,000th chassis rolled off the production line. It will become a Manta Ray 16ft pop-top, one of the original ranges produced by the Victorian company. Managing director Chris Polites was "delighted" that the special milestone had achieved. "It's a significant achievement that we are very proud of internally," he said. "But importantly, it's a great celebration of local manufacturing here in Australia, which is really bouncing back after the challenges of the last few years." Since opening in 2010, the New Age factory has manufactured more than 70 different models, has over 300 staff locally employed and produces more than 2000 caravans annually. These include flagship models the Manta Ray, Road Owl and Big Red. The Walkinshaw Group bought New Age Caravans in 2016 and employs over 300 staff who produce more than 2000 caravans annually for the Australian market. Have your say

   'It's no secret'

More families heading for
the 'caravan school of life'

THE three-day Sunshine Coast Caravan and Outdoor Expo is set to roll into Queensland's Nambour Showgrounds on August 19. "It is no secret Covid has changed the way Queenslanders live and work," a spokesperson said. "But an emerging caravanning trend has shown there is a rise to more and more Aussies packing up and hitting the road for extended periods, ditching the traditional classroom for the caravan school of life." She said the boom in the caravanning lifestyle showed no sign of slowing down. New data showed the Sunshine Coast had emerged as one of the top six destinations for caravan and camping visitors, with caravan sales on the Sunshine Coast doubling over the last 12 months. "Queensland dealers have seen a 20 to 35 percent increase in the number of family 'vans sold over the past three years, which enables families to support their nomadic lifestyle," the spokesperson added.

   'Strong customer support'

Future looking bright for peer-to-peer RV renters

PEER-to-peer caravan and RV rental company Camplify reports $17.7 million in transactions for the financial year's fourth quarter ... an increase of 82.8 percent over last year's corresponding period. The news comes after stories of Australians themselves reaping in thousands of dollars by hiring out their own caravans which have been idle since the crippling Covid outbreak. In a report to shareholders, Camplify said that despite the virus's continued impact the NSW-based company continues its pattern of growth and scale. During the financial year's fourth quarter, revenue had grown by 103.8 percent compared with the same period last year. Total net revenue was $5.6 million. "These results continue Camplify's stellar growth performance," it said. Forward bookings showed continued "strong customer support", with the quarter's closing figure of $14.78m in future bookings recorded. Have your say

Bash caravanners to be offered free advice

CARAVANNERS visiting the Mundi Mundi Bash in NSW will be offered free safety advice. The event, held about 35km west of Broken Hill in the NSW Outback, is a remote music festival for campers and caravanners of all ages. Transport for NSW will host the RV safety information stand at the three-day event from August 18. Caravan owners will have the opportunity to learn about caravan weights, safe towing and safe load distribution while ensuring they have the right safety information to travel on NSW roads.

   Shire president 'very pleased'

CMCA's first eco RV park to
be sited in small WA town

WITH over 70,000 members, Australia's largest RV club has announced plans to establish its first park in Western Australia. It will be located in the small town of Boyup Brook, 262km south of Perth and east of Busselton and known as the Country Music Capital of Western Australia. It will be managed under a new level of parks called CMCA Eco RV Parks Plus, with a strong emphasis on self-containment and maintaining environmental focus. "It has been difficult to get into the market in WA, due to restrictive planning laws, especially in establishing a 'green field' site," CMCA said in a Facebook posting. Shire President Richard Walker, pictured, told Caravanning News that Boyup Brook was "very pleased" to partner with the club in the running of its caravan park as it continued to invest in upgrades to the facility. "We look forward to welcoming visitors from near and far to the park and our friendly rural town nestled on the banks of the Blackwood River," he said. Have your say

   'Timely opportunity to share information'

Hundreds of grey nomads flock to 'Christmas in July' event

HUNDREDS of grey nomads flocked to the 'Christmas in July' event at Mareeba in far north Queensland. Many were taking part in the annual migration north of southern caravanners and campers who favour a more tropical climate. Queensland Police, in conjunction with Transport and Main Roads officers, held a free weight check, saying it "was great" to see so many turn up to have their motorhomes and caravans weighed to help increase their safety. With the large number of caravans on Australian roads, the event was a timely opportunity to share information so travellers could make informed decisions and keep themselves and other road users safe, they added.

Earthworks now completed

Mayor is looking forward to a 'spectacular' Willow Bend park

WORK on improving the once run-down Willow Bend Caravan Park in NSW is continuing, with earthworks now completed. Wentworth Shire Council acquired the park in 2017 and regards it as an "important community asset" to the town of Wentworth. Local contractor Wall Constructions has been engaged to help progress the major $6.7 million infrastructure upgrade. Wentworth Shire Council Mayor Tim Elstone said the prospect of a completed Willow Bend Caravan Park was exciting for the entire shire.

More than 280 inquiries

Agnes park snapped up for $27.5m after record interest

ONE of Queensland's favourite caravan parks has been snapped up for a whopping $27.5 million as demand for the Sunshine State's leisure assets goes from strength to strength. The freehold interest in NRMA Agnes Water Holiday Park, between Rockhampton and the Sunshine Coast, was bought by the Queensland-based group G & R Kratzmann Property Investments. It followed an on-market expressions of interest campaign which generated a record level of market interest for an asset sale, with more than 280 enquiries signifying the true strength and substantial level of demand for high-quality regional accommodation assets in Queensland.

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