'Voice of customer never been louder'

Record attendance at
caravan industry talkfest

DELEGATES from all over Australia assembled at the Gold Coast's Star Hotel & Casino this week for the Caravan Industry Association of Australia 2018 National Conference. The event, now in its 23rd year and firmly established as the premier national educational and networking gathering for the industry, has attracted a record number of delegates and exhibitors. It was officially opened by association chairman Grant Wilckens. In a pre-conference message, he reported that the industry had seen "significant change" during the past 12 months and this would continue over the next year. "With so much disruption, the voice of the customer has never been louder," he said. "We must listen to feedback, adapt and innovate to ensure we exceed consumer expectations and improve profitability across the industry." Comment on this story

Losses 'unacceptable'

Fleetwood Corp facing board
spill as caravan sales plunge

By Dennis Amor

UPDATE: A substantial shareholder in  struggling caravan manufacturer Fleetwood has requested a copy of the company's share register and plans to call a general meeting. Meanwhile in a letter to shareholders, the Perth-based company said it intended to deal with the poor performance of its RV business, revealing that it is searching for additional directors with experience at CEO level and with "outstanding credentials".

SHARES in Coromal and Windsor caravans builder Fleetwood Corporation took a pounding  after it announced sales of its RVs had continued to plummet. They nosedived around 20 percent to $1.72 and are now just above the $2 mark. The Perth-based company revealed in a letter to shareholders that losses for the second half of the current financial year were expected to be between $7m and $8m. Its RV division produces caravans, pop-tops and RV accessories. "The board considers the expected losses of the RV business to be unacceptable and is dissatisfied with the expected performance," Fleetwood said. "The expected result is driven primarily by ongoing losses in caravan manufacturing." It said heavy discounting by larger manufacturers at the recent Sydney caravan show had hit the company's order book.  Fleetwood had expected underlying EBIT to be around $1.5m, bringing the full-year EBIT to about $5.5m. "This expected result compares to earlier outlook expectations of an underlying full-year EBIT marginally ahead of FY17 ($14.6m)," the letter said. Fleetwood admitted in its annual report released earlier this year that despite a "turnaround plan" ‒ which included a revamp of the company's products and complete change in Fleetwood's management ‒ the situation remained "critical". Comment on this story

Defects amounted to 'major failure'

COURT ORDERS JAYCO TO SWAP FAULTY 'VAN

By Dennis Amor

THE Civil and Administrative Tribunal NSW has ordered Jayco to replace a customer's two-year-old fault-riddled $70,000 caravan.

The tribunal heard that Junette Nicholson bought the Sillverline 24.7 brand new from Watson's Caravans Coffs Harbour in 2016 and that it had since undergone warranty repairs on about 10 occasions and that over 90 items had been reported.

In his written decision, tribunal General Member Mark Gilson said the defects amounted to a "major failure" and Ms Nicholson was entitled to reject the caravan.

"Consistent with my findings that there have been ‒  and in fact still are ‒ numerous defects in this caravan, I conclude that a reasonable consumer would conclude that the caravan is not of acceptable quality," he added.

Ms Nicholson had claimed a full refund of the purchase price or a replacement caravan of the same value.

During the hearing, the dealership maintained that the caravan could still be used for its intended purpose.

And Jayco argued there was little evidence that the caravan had a major defect, was unsafe or unfit for its intended purpose.

But the tribunal found that numerous defects existed in the vehicle.

"Of significant concern is the supply of gas to the stove and the operation of the stove, the squeaks to the floor and the bulges/deformations of some areas of the exterior walls," Mr Gilson said.

The tribunal ruled that Jayco must supply a replacement caravan of the same type and of similar value on or before July 18 and that Ms Nicholson must return her existing caravan within a week of receiving it.

X-rays revealed anomalies

Imported caravan 'used to smuggle drugs worth $5m'

By Dennis Amor

TWO men have been charged with attempting to smuggle millions of dollars worth of drugs into Australia hidden in an imported caravan. Police claim 91kg of MDMA and 3kg of ice were concealed in the recreational vehicle shipped from the UK. Australian Border Force identified the sea cargo as being of interest and conducted further examinations at the Sydney Container Examination Facility. After anomalies were noted during x-ray of the caravan, the ABF Detector Dog Unit also attended with the dogs giving a positive reaction. Officers deconstructed the caravan and found the drugs, which have an estimated street value of more than $5 million, hidden within three cavities. The stash was seized and the caravan allowed to continue to its destination where police arrested two men awaiting its arrival in St Ives, Sydney. They were charged with two counts of importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug. If convicted they could face life imprisonment. Comment on this story

Elwards farewell their trusty Evernew
TWO grey nomads have finally come to the end of their travels in their trusty caravan which they bought brand new 33 years ago. The Evernew E2168 tandem was built 10 inches longer than normal by the Victorian manufacturer ‒ founded half a century ago ‒ because of the buyer's height. And it was the first caravan to boast two spare wheels on the rear bumper. It cost a mere $9,805 ... just $805 more than the couple recently sold it for! John and Gwen Elward have now written to Victorian-based family-owned Evernew Caravans to compliment the company, saying it had "put together an excellent solid and reliable caravan second to none". Each year saw the intrepid caravanners head to Queensland with their grandchildren for the winter school holidays. They did countless other trips, including several laps of Australia and six adventures across the Nullabor. Comment on this story

Big-hearted trader provides lifesaver for park guests
GUESTS stayiing at Esperance's seafront caravan park in WA now have access to a life-saving heart defibrillator, thanks to a big-hearted local businessman. Florissons Home Furnishers owner Michael Florisson took things into his own hands after learning that three key locations in the town ‒ a popular spot for grey nomads ‒ included the caravan park near his store. "My decision to purchase the defibrillator machine was influenced by the Shire's reluctance to install one at the caravan park, which they own," he told Caravanning News. "I felt compelled to put an external defibrillator machine at the front of my store, which can be quickly accessed by anyone at the caravan park." Comment on this story

'Descriptors' help choose ideal park
ONE of Australia’s major chains of holiday parks has introduced a novel way of classifying its holiday destinations. And some parks which do not carry the BIG4 name have also been signed up and will be included in the new categories. BIG4, which boasts180 parks nationwide, says the range of "descriptors" will help customers choose the perfect park for their next holiday. BIG4 chief executive Steven Wright said they would provide "peace of mind" for guests that they have selected the best park for their holiday needs.

Mullum locals fight 'vegetarian' campsite plan
OPPONENTS of controversial plans to build a 239-site "vegetarian" campground complete with yoga and meditation facilities at Mullumbimby, NSW, have taken to Facebook in their fight to block the project. The Residents against Mullum Tourist Resort page has already attracted over 560 members who protest that the proposed development on Coolamon Scenic Drive under the shadow of Mt Chincogan would be totally out of character with the town's rural landscape. "It would be the end of Mullum as we know it," they protest. Developer Mark Franklyn said it would be a purpose-built facility for the "consciousness movement" and would not seek to attract grey nomads looking for a camping site. Comment on this story

Mesa camp opens after $400,000 facelift
THE Mesa campground in WA's popular Cape Range National Park is now open for campers following a $400,000 upgrade. It is the third campground to undergo a major facelift in the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage area within the past two years and brings the total number of campsites within Cape Range National Park from 109 to 160, with the ability to increase this further to 220 under the current management plan. The other campgrounds to benefit were Kurrajong and Osprey.

Green light for Agnes Water park extension
QUEENSLAND'S Gladstone Regional Council has given the green light for Agnes Water's caravan park to be extended. It has approved a development application from Beaches of 1770 Pty Ltd which would see another 36 sites added to the Agnes Water Tourist Park. The holiday destination offers caravan and tent pitches together with bungalow and apartment accommodation. Comment on this story

Discovery Parks goes glamping
AUSTRALIA'S largest owner and operator of caravan and tourist park accommodation is leaping into the glitzy world of luxury glamping. Discovery Parks has entered a $20 million joint venture deal with former ferry owners Baileys Group to build an environmentally sensitive luxury eco village on Rottnest Island just off Perth. Discovery has 30-plus parks offering cabins and more than 2500 caravan and camping sites nationwide. Its latest project will see 83 eco-tents with access to Pinky’s Beach Club complex with swimming pool, alfresco bar and licensed dining areas ... and not a caravan in sight.

Fennells give up their dream job

New owners for caravanners' camping guide

Cathryn and Philip (left) with Michelle and Heatley

CATHRYN and Philip Fennell reckon they've clocked up around a million kilometres helping caravanners find cheap or free overnight pitches. But after 12 years on the road researching, the intrepid couple has retired and handed control of Camps Australia Wide to new owners. The book is regarded as a 'must have' by thousands of travellers who shun caravan parks in favour of free camping and roadside rest areas. Heatley and Michelle Gilmore have bought the business and will continue producing the guide, now in its ninth edition. The Fennells now intend enjoying "a bit of a break" before travelling again ... this time at a slower pace. "What a dream job travelling this great country and actually calling it work, an ideal lifestyle," they said. "We have seen so many amazing parts of Australia ‒ some of them over and over again ‒ and enjoyed awesome campsites, the wildlife, the scenery, the roads and last but not least the people we have met." Comment on this story

Heavy rains delay opening of Bundy RV Park
THE Campervan & Motorhome Club of Australia's new RV Park in Bundaberg, Queensland, is likely to open for business this month. Heavy rains have delayed work on the site which will accommodate up to 50 self-contained RVs at the Rum City's old showgrounds. The CMCA has said the facility, which will be available for members only, will operate for at least 48 weeks of the year, possibly closing during the wet season. Comment on this story

Groovy's name lives on
THE name of one founding member of Australia's major online discussion group for caravanners and other RVers lives on. Greg Jollife, who went under the nickname of Groovy, played a pivotal role in the success of the Caravaners Forum, which now boasts a membership of around 40,000. Sixty-seven-year-old administrator Greg from Wollongong in NSW was a guiding light behind the forum but died in 2011. He contributed a staggering 7500-plus messages on a whole range of topics, sometimes controversial but more often than not offering welcome and valuable words of advice to other members. The forum became his first love and before his passing he even formulated plans for its future. To honour his memory, members set up a special chatroom called Groovy's Campfire. Meanwhile, member Mick O’Brien (aka Mick the Mungrel) organises a Groovy Memorial weekend, which recently raised an impressive $3000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Held at SA's Crystal Brook Caravan Park, the eighth annual event was attended by members of Travellers Chat  and the Blue Sky Caravan forum. The money was raised by a catered lunch on Saturday, auction of donated goods after tea on Saturday evening and a catered breakfast on Sunday morning. Over the last six memorial weekends, members have raised a total of $7824.03 for the RFDS.   Comment on this story

Airbnb costing caravan parks dearly
CARAVAN parks, long-time opponents of free camping and budget sites, seem to be switching their attention to Airbnb properties. According to media reports, the Airbnb industry is causing "despair and anger" among some Queensland tourist park operators who are suffering a fall in cabin bookings. One Caravanning Queensland board member reportedly complained that the competition was "massive" and it was impossible to match prices as low as $58 a room. "There has to be regulation," he is quoted as saying. "If it's good enough to put regulations on us, then it has to be a fair playing field." Accommodation Association of Australia chief executive Richard Munro told media it was frustrating for parks to "see their businesses being swallowed up" by an industry which operated in an opaque fashion, with no one knowing where they were. Comment on this story

RAC acquires bush retreat
SEVEN caravan parks now fall under the umbrella of Australian Tourist Park Management's partnership with WA motoring organisation RAC. The news follows RAC's acquisition of eco-style Wharncliffe Mill Bush Retreat, which has been renamed RAC Margaret River Nature Park to promote its unique location in the heart of the Margaret River region. ATPM, which is owned by the NRMA, owns and manages close to 40 parks around Australia.

Planning already underway for next year's event

Club musters up $37,000 for Elmore's economy

Club members at this year's ACC Chairman's Muster

THE Australian Caravan Club's Chairman's Muster poured over $37,000 into the Victorian township of Elmore economy. A total of 150 club members attended the five-day event, which was officially opened by Mayor of the City of Greater Bendigo Councillor Margaret O’Rourke. Club chairman Craig Humphrey said the muster provided an atmosphere for members to chat informally with him and three other board directors about club matters. Planning for next year's Chairman's Muster at Murray Bridge in South Australia is already underway. Comment on this story

Car wash plan falls foul of park residents
A QUEENSLAND caravan park is gearing up for a fight to block plans for a nearby $2 million car wash. Kin Kora Village Caravan & Residential Home Park in Olsen Ave, off the Dawson Hwy near Gladstone, has blown the whistle on a local football club's money-raising idea. The CQ Wolves Football Club said profits from its proposed facility would help attract accredited football coaches to the region to teach Gladstone's young players. But residents at the park, which also provides sites for tourist caravans, believe the penalty for them will be souped-up cars with blaring music driving in and out of the car wash. The club's development application to the council points out there would be a 10m buffer zone between the car wash and the park's fence, plus an "acoustic barrier” around the facility, which would be closed between 10pm and 7am. Comment on this story

Imbil camping ground to reopen
THE former Island Reach camping ground in the tiny Queensland town of Imbil west of Gympie will reopen next month. It will operate under the new banner of the Imbil Camping Retreat. Facilities will include powered and unpowered sites, an amenities block with hot showers and a laundry. "You’ll be delighted with the variety of peaceful areas, and even your family dog will love it," the new owners said.

Council warns on short-term caravan accommodation
QUEENSLAND'S North Burnett Regional Council has issued a stern warning about illegal caravan accommodation. This follows the influx of seasonal workers into the area. While providing an economic boost to the region, it was resulting in short-term accommodation providers breaching numerous laws, the council revealed. "Council has received a number of complaints about illegal camping, overcrowded dwellings and occupied caravans," it said in a statement. "There has also been a practice of renting out caravans in backyards. Using the residential land for short-term accommodation can breach council’s planning scheme and the Planning Act 2016 which carries a fine of up to a maximum of $567,675. Using caravans may also result in a lack of facilities such as toilets and showers which may result in public health issues." It said public health orders could be issued until risks to public health had been removed. The statement said that while the council wanted to protect the health and safety of visitors, it also wanted to ensure places of accommodation did not impact upon neighbours. Comment on this story

Hunters given marching orders

ONE'S TRASH OR TREASURE?

THERE'S a saying that one man's trash is another man's treasure ... though in this case it could well be applicable to the fairer sex. These two women were given their marching orders when they were caught rifling through bins at a South West Rocks caravan park in NSW. They were apparently on the hunt for "Return and Earn" containers which are worth 10c each when handed in. Every year, more than 160 million drink containers end up as litter in the state. The "Return and Earn" scheme was launched in December 2017 to help tackle the growing litter problem. Comment on this story

On-the-spot fines for campfire negligence
 MORE than 100 campfires were left unsupervised at popular camping grounds in Victoria during a recent holiday weekend, it has been revealed. They were discovered by Forest Fire Management Victoria crews who had to extinguish the fires in the State's north-east. Some campers copped on-the-spot fines while others will receive formal warnings in the mail. Regional Agency commander Neale Cleeland said it was "disappointing" to find so many unattended fires. "It really is very careless behaviour," he said. "The message doesn't appear to be getting through to some people within the community. Much of the region continues to be extremely dry and campfires can easily spread, impacting on the local environment." He pointed out that about 10 percent of all bushfires were caused by campfire negligence. Comment on this story

Park's unwelcome guests meet untimely end
SCORES of unwelcome guests met an untimely end when they called into a WA caravan park for a good feed. It happened after an eagle-eyed grey nomad spotted European wasps busily tucking into dead insects lodged in the grilles of vehicles parked at Wave Rock Caravan Park in Hyden. This sparked a full-scale hunt by Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) officers, the Shire of Kondinin and landholders to locate the insects' nest, which was successfully destroyed. The European wasp, first spotted in WA about 40 years ago, has the power to decimate the State's horticultural industry. DPIRD has praised the tourist who reported seeing the insects. Support staff at the caravan park and the Shire also received a pat on the back for helping to locate the nest. Comment on this story

Council wants fairer deal for park residents
KNOX City Council in Victoria wants a fairer deal for caravan park residents. It will push to include a compensation clause in the Victorian Residential Tenancies Act when it attends next month's Municipal Association of Victoria State Council meeting. Under its proposal, the clause would assist residents of caravan parks with the costs of relocating to new accommodation when parks are closed or sites withdrawn. Comment on this story

CCA offers advice on a plate
THE Caravan Council of Australia has issued a warning about non-compliant trailer plates on some RVs. "Many have incorrect and incomplete information on them, which can be very misleading … and even dangerous," CCA founder and manager Colin Young (pictured) said. All information on the plates must be true, complete and applicable to that vehicle, not just for a "typical" or "base" one. "Far too many caravans have incorrect tare mass and empty ball-load figures stated," Mr Young said. "It is most prudent ‒ especially with new 'vans ‒ to have these figures measured at a certified weighbridge." The professional engineer said caravan owners were welcome to email a clear digital and legible photograph of their compliancy plate to the CCA for checking. They should also advise the tyre size, load rating (kg) and maximum inflation pressure (kPa) which is embossed on a tyre's side-wall. Comment on this story

CMCA flashes warning to RVers
CARAVANNERS and other drivers of other RVs have been warned to beware of new rules governing the speed at which they must pass stationary emergency vehicles with flashing red and blue lights. This follows an incident in which a member of the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia copped a whopping $1007 fine and six-month driving ban for breaking the rule in SA. CMCA chief executive Robert Barwick emphasises on the club's Facebook page that the speed limit varies ... 40km/h in WA and Victoria and 25km/h in South Australia. NSW will introduce a 40km/h limit in September. Mr Barwick said the NSW club member, who had a 49-year unblemished driving record, drove her campervan past two police cars parked well off a110km/h road in SA but with their lights flashing. Police gave chase and issued the dumbfounded and confused woman with an infringement notice ... after explaining she was clocked at 83kph. “It is crucial to have a thorough understanding of road rules and how they differ from state to state," Mr Barwick said. Comment on this story

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