The operator of Wellington’s Riverside Caravan park Tony Abra says changing people’s perceptions about the town being a destination rather than a “stop off point” is still a real dilemma.
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“It’s difficult to really pin it down,” he said
“Our occupancy can be very good. People seem to drop into Wellington but staying is another thing,’’ he said.
He admits the caravan park business is tough and he sees the problem happening at many other towns.
“On a recent trip I saw many caravan parks empty whose prices were quite reasonable,’’ Mr Abra said.
There are three caravan park sites in the Wellington area, plus Lake Burrendong state park which did big business during the recent holiday period. Tourist numbers continue to surge making the central west a top-15 destination in the nation according to the latest tourism Australia statistics but turning this into caravan park numbers is a work in progress still.
For those who have decided to make a caravan style life permanent, a new NSW draft residential land lease communities bill is up for consultation.
Mr Abra says there is a big market for this type of lifestyle on the coast but not in Wellington just yet.
“I only have one site holder who is very good. I have long term plans to develop this further though,’’ he said.
Residential land lease communities are caravan parks, manufactured home estates, mobile home villages and relocatable home parks.
More than 33,700 permanent residents live in the 483 residential land lease communities across NSW.
“This form of living is seeing significant growth, especially from people seeking a lifestyle change and who appreciate the relaxed communal lifestyle,” state member for Orange Andrew Gee said.
“96 per cent of residential land lease communities are located in rural and regional NSW and provide an affordable and sociable housing choice for many people and are an important part of the housing mix across the state.
“Operators and residents alike have said that the current law is confusing, cumbersome and leads to unnecessary conflict.
“Residential land lease communities offer an important housing option for many people and it is vital that we get the balance right between protecting residents’ rights and allowing the operators to run an efficient and effective business.”
Mr Abra says he has hardly any conflicts at all with his park or residents.
The president of the Caravan and Camping Industry Association NSW, Theo Whitmont, said the industry was appreciative of the time and effort the NSW government put into the consultative process.
“We look forward to the outcome of the bill as the industry is ready for rejuvenation and it’s a once in a decade opportunity to improve the operating environment for all stakeholders,” Mr Whitmont said.
The President of the Affiliated Residential Park Residents Association, Dr Gary Martin, said all stakeholders in the industry had worked together for a single desired outcome.
“That is an environment where residential parks are able to provide affordable and realisable housing options for the people of NSW and the needs of both residents and providers are recognised in a balanced and equitable way.”
Mr Gee said the draft bill had been developed following consultation with industry stakeholders and resident groups and took into account all submissions received in response to a discussion paper that was released in November 2011.
A copy of the draft bill and a fact sheet outlining the major changes is available on the Have Your Say section of the NSW Fair Trading website, www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au or by calling 13 32 20 and requesting a copy.
Comments can be lodged by email, fax, or by post to NSW Fair Trading until May 17.
