August 2010

Government chips in to help with rebuilding

Cash handout for tornado-ravaged NSW caravan park

THE New South Wales government has chipped in with a $50,000 handout to a caravan park ravaged by a freak tornado.

It took just 10 seconds for the twister's 150kph winds to turn the attractive BIG4 Lake Ainsworth Caravan Park at Lennox Head into something resembling a war zone.

Caravans were hurled around like toys as the brief but violent storm raced in from the ocean, but miraculously no one was hurt.

Caravans and cabins were overturned at the three-and-a-half star, 294-site caravan park, leaving travellers and holidaymakers dazed and astonished no one had been hurt or killed during Mother Nature's fury.

NSW Lands Minister Tony Kelly recently announced the government grant to help rebuild the tourist park.

Mr Kelly said the tornado had wreaked havoc on local buildings including the popular tourist destination.

"It caused extensive damage to holiday 'vans, cabins and the amenities block," he explained.

"While most of the damage costs will be covered by insurance, this funding will meet further costs associated particularly with repairing and upgrading the amenities building.

"Lake Ainsworth is a popular destination for tourists and an excellent facility for schools and other groups hosting sport and recreational camps. While the park is still operating as usual, these repairs will finalise restoration of the amenities block," he added.