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Caravanning News is registered with the National Library of Australia's PANDORA archive |
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Readership: Up
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Profits soar as parks operator shakes off the COVID blues By Dennis Amor DESPITE a
challenging COVID year, holiday and lifestyle parks operator Ingenia
saw its statutory profit soar 131 percent
to $72.8 million during the
last financial year. Revenue grew 21 percent to
$295.6 million, while operating cash flow more than doubled to $137.6
million. Chief executive and managing director Simon Owen said it had been
a "challenging year", characterised by extended
lockdowns across the business. "I would like to thank our team for all
that has been achieved, as they remained focussed on our goals while
continuing to respond to changing conditions," he said in his company's
annual report. "While COVID-19 has disrupted our business and created
challenges, it has also accelerated macro trends and consumer behaviours
that support our longer term growth. Australians are travelling
domestically, many of them experiencing our
parks and destinations for the first time." Ingenia was "uniquely poised"
to benefit from what it believed was a strong medium term outlook for
holiday parks as target markets ‒
families and grey nomads ‒
sought accessible breaks. "Our holidays and mixed use portfolio has
experienced strong demand as international borders remain closed and
intrastate and interstate travel is buoyant." Mr Owen said that with
further acquisitions over the year, Ingenia now had a network of 29
coastal parks from Torquay on the Victorian Surf Coast to Cairns in
Tropical North Queensland. "While COVID-19 restrictions impacted revenue
over the year, demand rebounded strongly as restrictions eased, with
occupancy and rate both up on prior year," he said. The group's total
cabin and camp sites had increased to 3150 and revenue was up 38 percent.
Be patient and don't rush The
Caravan Industry Association of Australia has urged road users to be extra
careful during the school holidays. It said the Spring break was a
peak camping period for families and at least 70 percent of campers would
travel more than 250kms from their home. "We encourage people to be
patient and not rush," the association's Keelan Howard said. "Our research
indicates that Sundays and Mondays are when people are potentially
returning home and maybe tired after a big camping trip. They are more at
risk so plan your trip, ensure you are rested ... and don't rush. When
traversing rural roads with long distances between towns, it is important
to have a good night's sleep and take appropriate rest breaks (15 minutes
every two hours). This heightens your alertness to hazards rural roads can
cause you to encounter. Ensure you do not use designated truck stops for
your overnight rest breaks."
Many Aussies doing it tough, but ...
There's
light at the end
By Dennis Amor CARAVANNERS
and campers are doing it tough ... but looking
forward to hitting the road again, according to new research.
Supporters drown out critics of park's soon-to-be introduced COVID rule SUPPORTERS have drowned
out critics of NSW's Curlwaa caravan park in the
small Murray River town near Wentworth which will soon accept only guests
who have been fully vaccinated against COVID. The news prompted
Facebook comments criticising the decision, with some opponents
threatening to sue and boycott the park. Owner Ric Young said his decision
was based on safety. "This will ensure the health and safety of all our
caravan park users and maintain our COVID-19 Safe status," he wrote on his
park's Facebook page. "We hope everyone understands the need for
these changes." From November 1, guests will have to provide physical
proof of vaccination. "We are a registered COVID Safe caravan park with
great COVID safe practices including sanitising stations, regular COVID
compliant cleaning and density limits in our indoor areas," he said. The
announcement attracted nearly 900 Facebook comments, mostly
supporting the decision and with only a small minority criticising the
move. Supporter Peter Barrett commented: "I think it was the only sane way
forward and those ignorant and uninformed about life are better staying
away with their negativity." Meanwhile, David McEvoy thanked Mr Young for
showing strength in making the decision. "Ignore that very vocal
minority," he wrote. And Emily Grant commented: "Unfortunately the
minority can be so loud sometimes - thank you for holding firm and leaving
this post up. Because you didn't delete it, the majority is now drowning
out the nonsense, which is heartening to see."
Smart device takes worry out of monitoring caravan functions BMPRO has launched a new campaign that takes viewers on an caravan adventure along the Great Ocean Road. Video footage follows a family's travels while highlighting the added benefit of the company's ProSmart to keep a tab on all the RV's functions, no matter the distance and regardless of a Wi-Fi connection. BMPRO says that with ProSmart ‒ designed and manufactured in Melbourne ‒ caravanners can now travel longer, further and smarter through real-time insight on gas levels, water levels, battery status, temperature and tyre pressure all in the palm their hands. "There's nothing more valuable in life than these moments spent together with your family and nature," BMPRO brand ambassador David Bayliss said. "ProSmart enables you to travel anywhere without the stress of the unknown and worrying about how full your gas is or the level of your tyre pressure. It provides the opportunity to explore off-the-beaten track locations without the worry of breakdowns." To view the Great Ocean Road adventure, click here.
Locals enjoy Litchfield National Park's latest camping treasure LOCALS
have embraced the NT's Litchfield National Park's newest treasure, with 99
percent of permit applications for Central Valley coming from local
residents. Almost 400 campers have enjoyed the exclusive area since it
opened over a month ago, with just a handful of visits from interstate
travellers. To date, Parks and Wildlife NT has received 155 applications
for permits, with 137 vehicles approved to enter the site. The first
campground in the Territory Labor Government's $17.5 million Central
Valley development offers 10 private campsites with access to spring-fed
creeks. The campground offers drop toilets, an information shelter, and is
accessible by high-clearance 4WDs only. When all construction is complete,
Central Valley will add 32 new campsites across three separate campgrounds
to Litchfield National Park.
Holiday park phones run hot
REFLECTIONS Holiday Parks reported
nearly 3000 bookings after lockdown ended in parts of regional NSW.
Chief executive Nick Baker said the late announcement last Friday night to
include the State's Mid North Coast in the "exit lockdown" list saw phones
running hot for parks at Jimmys Beach, Hawks Nest, Seal Rocks, Forster
Beach and Tuncurry. "After weeks of lockdown, our park staff are run off
their feet ... with big smiles on their faces,"
he said. "The rush to our phone lines and web site to
make a booking shows that people can't wait to get out and about."
Mr Baker was "incredibly appreciative" to see the level of public
trust in its parks to provide a safe and memorable holiday, especially in
this time of COVID stress. "Stringent COVID
plans are in place, including additional cleaning of all facilities and a
contactless check-in system," he said. It had
been a "tough time" for the country and he thanked everyone for their
cooperation as Reflections complied with government and industry directions.
Last-minute border closures create confusion for nomads Story-photo: Dennis Amor THE travel plans for
thousands of caravanners are in turmoil because of ever-changing
last-minute border closures and restrictions due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Some travellers are pleading with state governments to give them more time
to reach their home states before they are locked out. "It's the talking
point for many of us grey nomads," 72-year-old veteran traveller John
Richmond, from Melbourne, told Caravanning News at a rest area on
Queensland's Bruce Highway. "There's utter confusion at the moment and
it's putting unnecessary pressure on us." Victoria's Shepparton MP Suzanna
Sheed wants to see more done for stranded caravanners.
Importer awarded caravanning industry's accreditation key ONE of
Australia's largest distributors of campers and caravans has been
officially recognised by the Caravan Industry Association of Australia.
MDC Camper Trailers & Offroad Caravans is the first off-road
camper trailer and hybrid caravan importer to be
awarded the peak body's Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers
Accreditation Program (RVMAP) key. From its humble beginnings in 2005, the
family-owned business has sold over 25,000 units nationwide from its
network of showrooms. "We are incredibly excited and proud to display the
RVMAP badge on our products," managing director Vaughan Hindley said.
Association chief executive Stuart Lamont was full of praise for the team
at MDC, having recently visited its Brisbane operation. "RVMAP
accreditation is not handed out lightly," he said.
Australia Zoo submits revised plans for camping ground THE
world-famous Australia Zoo in Queensland has rejigged plans for an $8
million wildlife camp. Work had already
started at the world famous Beerwah tourist attraction, with
original plans to feature a combination of tent
accommodation, powered sites for caravans and RVs, glamping-style tents
and cabins. But revised plans for 68 cabins and 40 bush campsites have now
been submitted to Sunshine Coast Council. It was hoped
to open the campground as part of the zoo's 50th anniversary celebrations
in 2020.
Motoring club urges 'vanners to brush up on skills as crashes soar WA's major
motoring club reports an alarming increase in caravan crashes. It
comes after an estimated 50 percent rise in collisions this year. The RAC
told media there were now more caravans on the
road than ever, with 87 caravan-related
incidents last September ... the highest on
record. It has urged caravanners to brush-up on their skills before
hitting the road. A recent survey revealed
"a lack of confidence"
when towing and reverse-parking RVs. RAC
Insurance claims manager
Glen Walker said it confirmed there were novice caravanners on the roads.
"We've seen a huge increase in caravan insurance policies over the past 12
months as more Western Australians explore regional WA, and many are
likely new to caravanning," he said. Many had admitted they had not done
any caravan-related training before climbing behind the wheel.
Safety
showcase aims to educate new NEWFLASH: Event cancelled due to "uncertainty and inability to plan anything with confidence" in COVID times. QUEENSLAND'S peak body
for the caravan industry was to hold a dedicated weekend aimed at helping
new caravan owners to remain safe. The inaugural Caravan & RV Safety
Weekend at Willowbank Raceway this coming weekend was being billed as the
only event of its kind in the country. It would have featured two full days of
presentations, demonstrations and workshops from caravan industry experts
covering safety topics such as weights, loading, and towing caravans, ABS
and ESC, solar, maintenance, off-road towing and more. Caravanning
Queensland Trade chief executive Jason Plant, pictured,
said the event would have been an extension of the association's regular
Safety Check days held throughout the State.
Owners of self-contained RVs would have been able to stay overnight
and enjoy live entertainment, campfires and food trucks to fully
immerse themselves in the experience.
Caravan builder's chance meeting brings music to your ears IT'S music
to the ears ... well, it is to a popular Queensland caravan manufacturer.
A chance meeting between Caboolture-based Sunland Caravans owner Roy Wyss
and singer-songwriter Kevin Sullivan resulted in the newest team to take
music to the outback and provide a new ambassadorial role for the former forensic
police crime scene investigator turned award-winning entertainer. Kevin,
whose latest hit Spend The Kids Inheritance features in the
Australian Country Music Top 20 chart, and his young family
are touring outback Queensland in a specially-built Sunland caravan.
Broome's
temporary camping
THE Shire of Broome's overflow caravan
parks and temporary camping trial at the Cable Beach car park
are to be closed. Shire president Harold Tracey said the decisions had been made in
collaboration with the town’s caravan park providers.
In response to the rising number of visitors
to Broome this year, the council approved a temporary free trial of
overnight camping for travellers in self-contained caravans and other RVs
in Cable Beach Surf Club car park from July 1.
This was subsequently extended until 7am on September 6, which will be the
conclusion date for the trial.
Camping with Custodians initiative is being extended
WESTERN Australia's Camping with
Custodians initiative is being extended, giving caravanners and other
campers more chance of learning first-hand about
Aboriginal culture. Tourism WA wants to hear from Aboriginal groups
interested in being a part of the program, in which they work with
communities to build and operate campgrounds.
All fees collected remain with the host communities. Camping with
Custodians sites are already open at Imintji,
Mimbi, Violet Valley and Doon Doon in the Kimberley; and at Peedamulla in
the Pilbara. “We know the demand for Aboriginal tourism outstrips what is
currently available in WA, and there is an opportunity for significant
growth in this area," WA's Tourism Minister David Templeman said. "The
five campgrounds currently open have been very popular, and I look forward
to expanding this program across the State."
Caravanner's gruesome Cahill's Crossing video goes viral A
CARAVANNER'S gruesome video showing three crocs devouring a pig's
carcass has gone viral, chalking up 1.1 million
'Likes'. The seven-minute footage was shot by the
traveller on his iPhone at the notorious Cahill's
Crossing on the Northern Territory's Arnhem Highway. The member of
a popular online caravanners' forum posted it on YouTube, with over
170,000 viewers tuning in within weeks. "It attracted lots of comments and
I have almost 300 followers," the bemused caravanner, known as 'skulldug',
wrote, "It’s really embarrassing. I now have
to wear a mask when I go out
so I’m not recognised." Click
here to view the footage.
CCA expresses disappointment over recurring design and quality problems
THE Caravan Council of Australia has expressed regret that design and
quality problems still exist with RVs.
Founder and qualified automotive engineer
Colin Young (pictured) said it was "most
disappointing" that the same type of complaints were
allegedly being detected. "It can only be
hoped that the new requirements ‒ as legislated
in the Road Vehicle Standards Act ‒ will help to
prevent these defects from continuing," he said.
"We can only hope that the horrible coronavirus pandemic and resulting
lockdowns will not hamper the manufacturers' efforts to improve the
quality of their 'vans while having to cope with critical production
issues, such as severe shortages of necessary components and trained
assembly personnel." Mr Young
called for RV manufacturers
to introduce double-check inspection checklists.
Caravanner praises truckie after wheelie bad luck on WA highway A CARAVANNER
has taken to social media to thank a Good Samaritan
truck driver and other people who went to her aid after a wheel
came adrift from her RV. Janetta Barnden and her
husband were flagged down by an overtaking traveller between
Northampton and the Billabong Roadhouse in
Western Australia. "A lady started madly waving and pointed to our
caravan," she wrote on Facebook. They
pulled the Windsor caravan off the highway and a
truck driver stopped behind it. "He jump out of
his truck and went straight under our caravan and helped
my husband with a solution to get us to the Billabong Roadhouse," she
said. Several travellers had attempted to make contact
by UHF radio, which unfortunately was switched off. "The truck
driver wanted nothing for his help, but we are forever grateful to Nick
the Centurion truck driver," Janetta said. "I thank you so much for
stopping and helping us. It was greatly appreciated and restored my faith
in the younger truck drivers on our roads." A
spokesperson for Centurion told Caravanning News: "We are proud to
have Nick as a member of our team and representing Centurion in the
communities in which we operate. It has been great to hear of Nick’s
efforts, which have demonstrated his commitment to embodying our values."
Redland City plans new camping ground to meet a growing need
QUEENSLAND'S Redland
City Council plans to establish a basic camping ground catering for
self-contained caravanners and other RV travellers. It is inviting expressions of interest from not-for-profit or community
organisations with experience or capabilities in operating the facilities.
Four sites have been identified as potentially suitable after a recent
economic needs assessment.
"The self-contained RV and caravan market is growing, and Redlands Coast
has so much natural beauty to offer these tourists," Mayor Karen Williams
said.
Fleetwood holds on to its RV FLEETWOOD is
holding on to its RV Solutions business after COVID-inspired strong demand
for its products, it has been revealed. The division operates RV
accessories company Northern Camec and the Melbourne-based caravan repairs
and services company Northern RV. It had been rumoured it was in danger of
being offloaded but Fleewood's newly-released annual report has put paid
to that. It said RV Solutions ended the
financial year with EBIT of $7.8 million on revenue of $72.4 million, with
good trading conditions after COVID lockdowns.
Non-executive chairman John Klepec, pictured, said it was expected to
continue benefiting from "strong demand" on the back of international
border closures.
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