RV bodies support bushfire recovery

Some of Australia’s biggest RV organizations have pledged to play a part in the recovery of towns affected by recent bushfires.

The biggest RV club in the country, the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia has said it will offer assistance to RV friendly towns in fire-ravaged areas by organising special events to “inject money back into their towns”.

CMCA chief executive Richard Barwick said he had written to the mayors of fire-affected towns including NSW's Cobargo, Bega, Batlow and Tumbarumba, and Victoria's Corryong and Tallangatta, to offer support.

“We have identified the Victorian Gippsland region and NSW South Coast region as possible areas to hold events. Preparation and execution will take some time as we need to give these regions time to recover,” he said in a letter to members.

“One initiative the Club is considering is to arrange a collective event that involves all members of RV Clubs of Australia – these include National Association of Caravan Clubs (NACC), Australia Caravan Club (ACC), Australian RV & Touring Club (ATRVC) and CMCA. Having members from all organisations will have a significant impact on the regions where these events are held," he said.

The CMCA is also donating $10,000 to BlazeAid for the purchase of a fully fitted combo trailer.

The Caravan Industry Association of Australia is encouraging its members to contribute to a special marketing fund that will be used to run a ‘Help a Mate’ campaign to encourage visitors to return to fire-ravaged areas once it is safe to do so.

Dometic and Vic Parks have both contributed $10,000 to the fund, with Mandurah Caravan & Tourist Park pledging to donate the proceeds of Australia Day activities.

“Many of the affected areas should be in absolute peak season brimming with tourists, and yet whole regions remain closed with some caravan parks suggesting they may be over a month before re-opening,” Caravan Industry Association of Australia CEO Stuart Lamont said.

“Once these affected areas re-open, the need for tourist visitation will be vital to assisting these properties start the long process of getting back on their feet.  This goes not only for those areas currently under threat but those for whom have already been affected this bushfire season dating back to September last year."

Lamont said the financial and emotional toll of the bushfires would be devastating for many local businesses, including caravan parks.

“To put this in context we may see up to 3.8 million nights at risk due to evacuations, lost bookings, and forward cancellations in the coming months. The refunding of deposits alone in some cases will cripple businesses," he said.

ASX-listed RV-related businesses are forecasting big financial hits due to the bushfires. Holiday park operator Ingenia Holidays said the financial hit to three of its South Coast parks - Lake Conjola, Broulee and Ocean Lake - could reach $2 million.

"Given the lack of services ? including telecommunications, power and road access ? and uncertainty over future conditions it is not yet known when the tourism parks will return to normal trading conditions," Ingenia told its shareholders.

RV rental and retail giant Apollo Tourism & Leisure, said bookings for rental motorhomes are down as a result of the bushfires across Australia, making it unlikely that net profits for this financial year will reach last year's sum of $14.7 million.

“Guest safety is paramount and our operational focus in recent weeks has been on ensuring our valued guests stay safe and continue to enjoy their Australian RV holiday adventure in areas unaffected by bushfires,” Apollo Tourism CEO Luke Trouchet said in a statement.

Holiday and lifestyle parks operator Aspen predicted a financial hit of at least $500,000 with two of its parks at Barlings Beach and Tween Waters along the NSW South Coast impacted during the peak holiday season.

"The longer term impacts are difficult to predict given the considerable damage to the region, including loss of houses and businesses." Aspen told shareholders.

Related reading: Caravan housing for bushfire victims