THE PARKIE WIN25 - Magazine - Page 7
ASSOCIATION UPDATES
REGIONAL VISIT PROVIDES
INVALUABLE FEEDBACK
With her continued passion for Victoria’s
caravan parks, former CEO Elizabeth
White enthusiastically undertook a
visitation program in Gippsland in May,
where she met with nine tourist and
mixed use park owners and managers.
Dubbed affectionally as our “Ambassador”,
this was Elizabeth’s second regional tour
representing the association, after she
travelled to The Grampians, in March, to
visit parks affected by the summer fire.
This visit directly resulted in association
intervention to prevent one park owner
from having to pay for water restoration
after his wetlands were emptied for
firefighting efforts (see page 21).
All
parks
visited
appreciated
the
opportunity to chat to Elizabeth and
offer their views on the current operating
climate and how the association can
continue to support them.
BIG4 Whiters Holiday Village Manager Brandon Smits
Park Sustainability
In general, most parks enjoyed good
school holiday traffic, but many reported
an overall decrease in the general level of
tourism this year. For many, Easter was
quieter than usual, following a soft landing
after Christmas and the new year.
Some reported a decrease in the level of
‘grey nomads’ traveling north for better
weather. In the past, they may have stayed
more than the current one-night.
Many businesses were sustained by an
increase in workers staying in the park to
complete local jobs.
Nicholson River Holiday Park Managers Geordy and Cheryl
The financial pressure of increased costof-living was the main perceived cause of
this decline in casual off-season tourism.
Interestingly, several parks also reported a decrease in
the use of Annual sites by customers who had paid the
Annuals fee but were using the site much less than the
allotted nights.
The positive growth for some parks appeared to come
from seasonal growth of visits from recreational fishing,
hunting and shooting clubs. This appeared to offset the
decrease from other tourism sectors, as they frequently
stay longer.
Members reported increased costs of doing business. In
particular, the high cost of insurance cover was one of
the main culprits, along with increased energy and water
costs.
CARAVAN & RESIDENTIAL PARKS VICTORIA
WINTER 2025
Most Helpful CRPVic Services
The CRPVic legal agreements were noted as being the
most helpful asset provided by the association, seen as
highly professional and great security to the business
owner as well as the customer. It is appreciated that
these are regularly updated.
Access to advice when needed was also high on the list,
as was information provided on the CRPVic website, as
well as the wealth of information and support provided
by other parkies at organised events and casual contacts.
Thank you Ambassador Elizabeth for your latest visit and
to those members who gave up their time to host some
great conversations.
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