SEPTEMBER 2020
     

'More than 50 factories remain silent'

Two weeks extra lockdown for nation's biggest RV manufacturing hub

By Dennis Amor
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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".

"There is still clarification needed on the opening date for the service and repair and dealer and retail sectors of the industry," he said.

"Caravan Industry Victoria has scheduled meetings with the appropriate government department over coming days to get further clarification on the roadmap."

Caravan Industry Victoria represented its members on the Victorian Manufacturing Industry Roundtable comprising leading industry associations and organisations.

Unions were also included.

"Through this roundtable, CIV strongly advocated the caravan and recreational vehicle industry should open on September 14," Mr Lamont said.

"However this was included in the roadmap."

Meanwhile, Manufacturer of the Year Crusader Caravans posted a message on social media saying it fully supported efforts to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

"Rest assured, as soon as caravan manufacturing gets the green light to commence production from the Victorian government, it will be full steam ahead," it said.

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