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Caravanning News is registered with the National Library of Australia's PANDORA archive |
SEPTEMBER 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Readership: Up
to 32,000 monthly
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'A year like no other' Apollo ready to ramp up RV production as COVID restrictions bring more domestic travellers
By Dennis Amor THE last financial year
has been "a year like no other", according to global Brisbane-based Apollo
Tourism and Leisure. Bushfires and the impact of the COVID-19 with its
crippling associated government restrictions had been "challenging", the
RV renter and manufacturer of Windsor and Coromal caravans says in its
newly-released annual report. But with limited options for
consumer-related travel and many people finding themselves with more spare
time than previously, an RV was "becoming an increasingly attractive
option", the company said. "Australian
retail sales have been increasing since full lockdown restrictions began
to be lifted and it appears that the trend is continuing,"
it added. Apollo was now in a position to capitalise on
increased demand through its ability to ramp up factory production.
"COVID-19 has fundamentally changed the primary source of travellers in
all our markets," the report said, adding:
"Apollo has a significant opportunity to convert more domestic
holidaymakers to RV travel." The report revealed
that total revenue for the financial year
ending June 30 was $366.7 million, with a statutory after-tax net loss of
$61.2m. Underlying after-tax net loss was $7.7m.
Unique caravan event opens VIRTUAL SHOW BEATS COVID-19 PROBLEM
Caravan Industry Victoria, partners and over 150 exhibitors have
found a way round the problem by delivering a
new event for caravanning and camping enthusiasts
and one that is accessible anywhere and completely free to attend.
Caravan industry's peak body is 'optimistic' about the future 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.![]()
Higher economic benefits SA's Renmark Paringa Council has reviewed its by-laws to offer a broader range of RV and camping facilities for budget-concious travellers. ![]()
Cops seize firearms and drugs in raid on NSW caravan park TWO men have been charged
following a police operation at a caravan park on NSW's South Coast.
'Mistake' lands grey nomads with fortune during travels By Dennis Amor UPDATE: A South Australian caravanner from Port Lincoln won $100,000 in yesterday's Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot draw 10411. The elated woman, who initially thought the call from a lottery official was a hoax, said she planned to use her windfall to upgrade her caravan and travel around Australia. A NSW couple has joined the growing list of grey nomads who have scooped their fortunes on the lotto. ![]() 'Impacts of caravan accidents are devastating'
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
urge caravanners to keep 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.
Hwy rest areas not a source of cheap accommodation: Minister 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.
New initiative from RAC as more travellers hit WA's regional roads 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.
Family's GoFundMe plea after rig rolls
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.
Lockdown extended for nation's biggest RV manufacturing hub By Dennis Amor 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".
Council blueprint helps keep caravanning families safe 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.
'Disturbing number of problems' Caravan Council warns of misleading plates on RVs 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.
Camplify
bookings soar as families 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.
New campgrounds will help WA's nature-based tourism to blossom 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.
Plans for Victoria's virtual version of caravan show well underway 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/
Discounted fees as work continues 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.
RV Solutions shows
resilience
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.
Apollo secures $25 million in loans to help it battle coronavirus crisis 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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