$10 million boost for caravan parks

Expect to see nicer amenities and outdoor kitchens as well as more glamping facilities at caravan parks, with the Federal Government announcing $10 million in grants to pay for upgrades and new facilities at caravan parks across the country.

Privately owned caravan parks will be eligible for grants of between $10,000 and $100,000 on a shared investment basis for capital expenditure projects including improvements to accessibility.

The Federal Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell said caravan parks played a critical role in providing affordable holiday accommodation for families and budget-conscious travellers.

“Domestic tourism is recovering strongly and in many parts of the country has already rebounded to pre-pandemic levels,” Minister Farrell said.

“Upgrading caravan parks will further encourage Australians to hit the road and experience the very best of Australia's coastal and inland regions.”

The grants program will be welcome news for many struggling small caravan park operators which in recent years have battled adverse weather conditions, along with reduced income due to the COVID-19 pandemic and rising insurance and other costs.

Caravan Industry Association of Australia Chief Executive Stuart Lamont said the targeted Federal infrastructure support package recognised the growing and critical value of caravanning to Australia's tourism and visitor economy.

“Caravanning has long been Australian domestic tourism's largest visitor and economic cohort, an almost $24 billion economic driver in tourism and local manufacturing activity,” Lamont said.

“Delivering more compelling accommodation and holiday stopover experiences in caravan parks we know will appeal to Australians from all walks of life as well as returning international visitors.”

Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis to eligible park owners with plans for infrastructure upgrades that align with the program objectives and outcomes. Applicants must provide evidence their projects can be completed by May 2024.

The grant funding amount must be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis for caravan parks with an annual turnover under $10 million in the 2021-22 financial year.

Caravan parks with revenue of $10 million or more in the same year will need to contribute $2 for every government grant dollar.

Applicants who own more than one caravan park can apply for multiple grants at different sites up to a total value of $300,000.

Applications for grants opened on 21 November and close on 22 December 2022.

Program guidelines and details on how to apply can be found here.

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