ADVENTUROUS caravanners veering off the beaten track near Queensland's historical gold mining town of Mount Perry may find themselves suffering from tunnel vision. More and more intrepid travellers in RVs like the above pictured Boroma are discovering the historical and abandoned heritage-listed railway tunnel, which in the early 1880s formed part of the Bundaberg to Mount Perry railway line. Hewn by hand from solid rock at Tunnel Road about 30km west of the rum city of Bundaberg, it is regarded as the longest unlined and non-supported tunnel in the Southern Hemisphere and still bears pick-axe scars. The quirky new grey nomads' attraction is regarded as a great feat of engineering in a beautiful rural location. It is regularly home to local bats and now forms part of the Bicentennial National Trail. Have your say

   'Existing infrastructure is ageing'

Fraser caravan parks set for safety and comfort improvements

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FOUR caravan parks will be spruced up under master plans released by Queensland's Fraser Coast Regional Council. New offices/manager residences, wider internal roads and larger sites are among the key elements planned for the Pialba and Torquay beachfront parks. Cr Jade Wellings said the council had engaged SGL Consultants to prepare the plans for the tourist parks at Burrum Heads, Scarness, Torquay and Pialba to ensure they were commercially viable and met current standards and visitor expectations. "The existing infrastructure in the parks is ageing and needs replacing and the parks need upgrading to suit modern 'vans, especially RVs," she said. The plans for the Pialba and Torquay parks focus on improving the safety and comfort of guests, changing the layout and site sizes while also improving access from the Esplanade. They were adopted following feedback from residents, businesses and park users. It is anticipated that the Pialba and Torquay redevelopment projects will be completed by late 2025. The project will be delivered in multiple successive stages to ensure that the parks can remain open in sections as work progresses. Funding has been allocated in the council's 10-Year Capital Works Program.

'More comfortable stays'

New toilet facilities for Yorke Peninsular camping sites

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SOUTH Australia's Yorke Peninsula Council will install more toilets at its bush camping sites to create "a more comfortable stay" while protecting the sensitive environment. The move follows a $140,000 grant through the State Government’s Recreational Fishing and Camping Facilities Program to improve popular bush camping sites earlier this year. The funding will be used for eight new toilet facilities. A further $40,000 has been contributed through the council's existing budget for an extra toilet plus two bush camp toilets which have been approved through the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Programme. "Our bush camping sites are becoming increasingly popular and we are excited to make the stay more comfortable for visitors," Mayor Darren Braund (pictured) said. "Council works hard to create a positive user experience and I congratulate staff for their proactive approach. Camping has many impacts on the environment, including toileting waste, so providing sufficient facilities will help ensure the environment is not overly impacted." The toilet infrastructure is expected to be installed by the end of the year.

  Coroner to receive report

Death toll in Victorian accident involving caravan rises to two

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A SECOND person has died after a crash involving a 4WD towing a caravan and another vehicle in Victoria's Riverina region. Emergency services were called to the Riverina Highway near Bull Plain Road, Rennie, about 100km north-west of Albury, after a Toyota LandCruiser towing a caravan and a white Mitsubishi ASX collided on April 21. Three people were trapped in the Mitsubishi, with the 82-year-old male driver dying at the scene. A 79-year-old female rear-seat passenger was airlifted to Canberra Hospital in a critical condition and died a week later. A 74-year-old male front-seat passenger was taken by road to Albury Hospital and has since been discharged. The male driver and female passenger of the LandCruiser were uninjured. A report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.

 'It would remove largest competitor'

Consumer watchdog has competition concerns over acquisition

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AUSTRALIAN consumer watchdog ACCC has outlined preliminary competition concerns about tourist company THL's proposed acquisition of RV manufacturer and rental company Apollo Tourism and Leisure, which manufactures Winnebago motorhomes and Coromal and Windsor caravans. It is claimed the acquisition of Apollo would remove THL's closest and largest competitor for motorised RV rentals in Australia. Market feedback indicates that THL and Apollo are by far the two largest suppliers in this market. "Market feedback also indicates that other RV rental suppliers lack the scale to replace the competition lost by Apollo being acquired," ACCC Commissioner Stephen Ridgeway (pictured) said. "Furthermore, our inquiries have not identified that new entry or expansion by other RV suppliers is likely to provide a strong competitive constraint on a combined THL and Apollo." The ACCC said it was also examining the extent to which peer-to-peer platforms compete with traditional RV rental suppliers. Peer-to-peer networks provide platforms for private RV owners to offer their RVs for rent. The commission's final decision is scheduled for July 21.

    Border rules relaxed

Set sights on world's largest caravanning event

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WITH rules governing international borders now being relaxed, Australia's caravanning industry can now again set its sights overseas, says the Caravan Industry Association of Australia. "We expect a large contingent of Australians to visit the largest caravan event in the world again this August," it said. "In partnership with its international colleagues CIVD, the association will be looking to run a number of events during Dusseldorf, including the popular Aussie Night on August 25, the night before Trade Day," it explained. "If you are looking at attending we ask you to please use this link to fill out an expression of interest (no commitment), and we will supply further information as it comes to hand."

Police appeal for witnesses

Woman's body found in burnt
out caravan at Victorian park

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Experts are investigating after a woman's body was found in a burnt out caravan in Victoria. Police were attending the Goulburn Valley highway caravan park to make contact with the woman, who was believed to be inside the RV, when it erupted in flames. She is still to be formally identified, but it is believed to be the 64-year-old resident of the caravan. An arson chemist later attended the scene. Police said there was nothing at this time to indicate the fire was suspicious. Anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

  'Make a bushfire survival plan'

Hot advice for campers pitching in NSW's Southern Tablelands

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NSW's Rural Fire Service is encouraging caravanners and campers in the Southern Tablelands area to be fire-wise. Operational Officer Mitchell Butler said fires and barbeques should be placed at least two metres from flammable materials, on an existing fire site or cleared area where the wind will blow flames away from camping sites. "Make sure you always extinguish your fire and turn off fuel lanterns and stoves before you leave or go to bed ... heavy fines may apply if campfires or other open flames are left unattended," he said. Campers were also advised to ensure gas cylinders are vented away from a caravan, and to never drop or discard lit cigarettes or matches. "But most importantly, make a bush fire survival plan and discuss it with your family or travelling companions. Know what you will do if threatened by fire," Operational Officer Butler added.

   'Economic powerhouse'

Pollies urged not to forget the caravanning industry before polls

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AUSTRALIA'S political parties have been urged not to forget the caravanning and camping industry when they deliver their final pleas before voters go to the polls on May 21. The Caravan Industry Association of Australia is calling on them emphasise the benefits that a strong Australian caravanning and camping industry provides to the economy. The association said the industry had been adaptive throughout the COVID-19 crisis and stood ready to continue leading domestic tourism and automotive manufacturing as Australia recovers. It had put forward a simple four-point policy platform set to generate highly leveraged returns to the Australian recovery in employment, investment and economic activity. Chief executive Stuart Lamont, pictured, said there was no better time for the government to be looking for strategic investments and sound policy agenda into traditional industries which were looking to invest, develop and pivot to the new economy. "Caravan and camping in Australia is too often looked at as a comfort recreational activity, as opposed to an economic powerhouse which delivers across manufacturing, retailing, tourism and affordable housing," he said.

'Keeping the name alive'

Boroma Roamers plan next annual rally

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OWNERS of Boroma caravans are planning their next annual rally. The faithful band of Boroma Roamers will enjoy a full programme of activities for the four-day event, including happy hours and an annual dinner from May 26 to 29 at Casino in NSW. Sites have been booked for an extra day so members can also enjoy the town's 40th Beef Week. The traditional get-together has been an annual event since 2005, missing only 2020 and 2021 due to COVID travel restrictions. In its heyday, Queensland-based Boroma was regarded as the Rolls Royce of caravans. But it  shocked the industry in 1985 after being forced into liquidation when a global economic downturn caused sales to plummet as jittery customers cancelled orders. The Roamers have vowed to keep the name of well renowned manufacturer alive.

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