Victoria’s caravan parks, a backbone of the state’s tourism and residential sectors, are struggling amid inadequate support from the Andrews Labor Government.
Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland is calling on the state Labor government to urgently support caravan park owners who are battling with lease renewal difficulties and a lack of financing for business growth and flood damage repair.
This pivotal industry, known for its contribution of $2.2 billion to the Victorian economy and creation of 14,300 jobs, is caught in the crosshairs of governmental inaction, Ms Cleeland said.
“The Andrews Labor Government’s reluctance to renew leases for caravan park owners stands as a roadblock to business growth and flood damage repair,” Ms Cleeland said.
“It’s time for the government to stop turning a blind eye to these problems.
“By supporting our caravan park businesses, we can revive tourism in flood affected communities, as well act as an emergency relief to our housing crisis in some towns.”
One caravan park struggling with this inaction is the BIG4 Seymour Holiday Park in Ms Cleeland’s electorate.
Despite applying for funding in December 2022, the business is yet to receive any form of assistance or communication regarding their application.
It’s been more than six months, Ms Cleeland said the park still faced significant struggles.
“The silence from the government on these matters is deafening,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Their purported support for small businesses falls short when insurance agencies refuse to provide coverage to caravan parks. It’s high time the government intervenes, or at least starts paying the tier two emergency flood relief payments which are long overdue.”
The Victorian Caravan Parks Association has stressed that 30 Victorian caravan parks are severely impacted, requiring $45M for park asset repair and replacement and grappling with $38M in lost revenue.
Yet, Crown Land leaseholders face significant hurdles in negotiating new 21-year leases, with the inability to secure finance for repair and rebuilding efforts being a severe concern.
“Their inability to secure finance for repair and rebuilding efforts is a severe concern that warrants attention,” Ms Cleeland said.
“The Andrews Government’s apathy towards small businesses is risking their livelihood. I will continue to advocate for these people so they are not left behind.”
Member for Eildon and Shadow Minister for Small Business Cindy McLeish raised her concerns regarding the dire situation faced by caravan park operators in Parliament, questioning the government’s resolve to support these small businesses.
“The October 2022 floods had a devastating impact on caravan parks,” Ms McLeish said.
“If she (the Minister for Small Business) is not going to stick up for small business, who is?”
