Blueprint drives RV industry growth
Caravan Trade and Industry Association of Victoria releases blueprint to guide the future growth of Victoria's $2 billion RV manufacturing industryPartly funded by the Victorian Government, a 71-page Victorian Caravan and Camping Industry Blueprint released last week outlines a comprehensive, five-year plan for a Victorian industry sector that accounts for more than 90 RV manufacturers, which produce more than 80 per cent of Australia's national production and 2.5 per cent of the world market.
Compiled after consultation with industry bodies including the Accommodation Industry of Australia, Vic Parks and Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association, the Blueprint recommends a co-ordinated approach to ensure the future of the RV industry was productive, competitive and export focused.
It recognises Victoria not only as the heartland of Australia's caravan and RV manufacturing but a significant contributor to the Victorian economy, generating over $1.4 billion of revenue, employing 5150 people across 800 trade businesses and 3000 people within 500 caravan and holiday parks.
Victoria is also home to more than a quarter, or 130,935, of registered caravans and campervans in Australia.
The Blueprint states that caravan manufacturers need to become more competitive locally and globally by developing new technologies and techniques in collaboration with research institutions.
Despite growth of around 10 per cent per annum over the last 15 years, the industry continues to grapple with issues including a high Australian dollar, which makes overseas holidays more attractive, shortages of skilled labour, low productivity compared to other manufacturing industries, and a sluggish rate of innovation.
Among the many recommendations put forward are the development of a a strengthened national compliance program, a pilot skills development program, a network of accredited repairers and further research into the impact of imports.
Looking to a greener future, it also outlines a “light caravanning plan” for the industry to cater for lighter caravans and electric tow vehicles, which may even require installation of ‘plug in’ recharging stations at caravan parks.
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