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Daniel: Searchers find human bones   Daniel murder: undercover cops monitored suspect at caravan park By DENNIS AMOR NEWSFLASH (August 28): Police confirm bones found at search site are those of Daniel Morcombe. Father, Bruce, said in statement read by Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson: "The scientific confirmation is still enormously difficult to comprehend. It is that expected shock we had all be waiting for." THE 42-year-old former West Australian caravan dweller accused of murdering Queensland teenager Daniel Morcombe was being spied on by undercover detectives living at the same caravan park, it was revealed. Father of three Brett Peter Cowan was unaware he was under surveillance until he was arrested after moving to Queensland. Cowan has been charged with murder, deprivation of liberty, child stealing, indecent treatment of a child under 16 and interfering with a corpse. He was remanded in custody until September 26. His lawyer Tim Meehan said after the two-minute court hearing in Brisbane the charges would be defended and a bail application made in the Supreme Court. Police posed as residents so they could monitor former truck driver Cowan who had been living at Perth's Crystal Brook Caravan Park for about a year. Last Thursday marked his 42nd birthday ... and he spent it alone in a tiny cell. Daniel, 13, vanished while waiting for a bus on the Nambour Connection Road in Woombye, under the Kiel Mountain Road overpass, in 2003. His disappearance sparked the biggest missing-person investigation in Queensland Police history. Everyone at a caravan park was DNA tested. Police and SES volunteers are searching for Daniel's remains at a swampy area deep in the Beerburrum State Forest near Beerwah, south of the Sunshine Coast. Kings Road, about 4km from Australia Zoo, has been cordoned off. Searchers have so far found a pair of matching shoes and three human bones which are being forensically tested. Police have confirmed the shoes were the same brand worn by Daniel. Have your say

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Caravanning News exclusive  Couple in 80s die in camping site tragedy Pilliga Bore campsite A COUPLE in their 80s died in their caravan at a NSW camping area. Campers at the primitive Pilliga Bore campsite near Wee Waa forced their way into the caravan when 83-year-old Robert Graham and wife Irene, 80, from Port Macquarie, had not emerged by lunchtime. They found Irene dead and Robert collapsed in grief. He died before an ambulance crew arrived. An ambulance spokesperson told Caravanning News: "It's a very tragic case. They died in horrible circumstances." Police are investigating the tragedy. One report suggested a kettle had boiled dry and the gas flame had consumed all oxygen inside the caravan. But police said they were examining the possibility that the couple died "as a result of a faulty gas line or connection within the caravan". A caravanner said: "It is very sad, but probably fortunate they went together." Autopsies were carried out and a report is being prepared for the Coroner. Have your say

Rubbishing rivals' products 'not new'

ROGUE SALES STAFF WARNED BY RVMAA

Anger over tactics used to secure deals

By Dennis Amor
Have your say

THE caravan industry's peak body has issued a stern warning to recreational vehicle sales staff not to rubbish competitors' products.

"Dealers and manufacturers do not accept this behaviour," the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia told Caravanning News.

The warning follows accusations from a Victorian caravan builder and a Queensland importer that rogue sales staff had used unscrupulous tactics to secure deals with customers.

Roadstar managing director Ken Nizam wrote to the RVMAA protesting that a salesman for a major caravan manufacturer had attempted to muddy his company's reputation at a major show in NSW.

And Chris Swann, general manager of Gold Coast-based Adria importers R.V. Asia Pacific, said rubbishing other manufacturers' products was not new.

"Adria has been subject to this kind of tarnishing of its reputation by salesmen for the past five years," he claimed. 

Forum ban on Caravanning News 'insane'

CARAVANNERS and caravan dealers have jumped to the defence of Caravanning News which has been banned from an online grey nomads' forum. The non-profit-making web-based publication has been offering a free news service to travellers and the caravan industry for more than six years, but has now been warned not to post messages on the Grey Nomads Forum ... unless it pays for advertising. One astonished caravanner said: "You provide a valuable service and carry loads of useful material which is totally unbiased and not aligned with commercialism, unlike some magazines." And a NSW caravan dealer commented: "The ban is just insane! You do an excellent job providing news to caravanners."

TRAVELLERS SPACED OUT

CARAVANNERS arriving at a Queensland showground  could be forgiven for thinking NASA's astronauts had lost their way. But the giant rocket was just overnighting before moving on to the annual Stamford Show. "We were a little spaced out when we first saw it," one traveller told Caravanning News.

Alzheimer's disease and stroke no deterrent to the travelling Daveys

WHEN caravanner John Davey's wife was struck down with Alzheimer’s disease, it didn't deter them from travelling. The 76-year-old former truckie still hits the road with wife of 57 years Pat, who requires round-the-clock care after also suffering a stroke which left her without speech or able to show any emotion. They were heading from Mildura to Sydney in their LandCruiser hauling their specially adapted 28ft caravan made for them by an Adelaide manufacturer.

Phoenix creditors unlikely to be paid: liquidator
CREDITORS of failed Queensland caravan manufacturer Phoenix are unlikely to see any of the money owing to them, according to the liquidator. The builder of quality off-road caravans shocked the industry when it ceased trading following a fall-off in orders. Devastated owner Greg Rosenthal – who bought the company in 2003 for a reported $1 million – told Caravanning News he had no option but to call in liquidators. Read our special feature by clicking here.

Veterans plan new brand of caravan parks
INDUSTRY veterans Terry Goodall and John Dineen are developing a new brand of caravan parks under the PathFinder Parks banner. Managing director Mr Goodall said it would "revolutionise" how holiday parks were promoted.

Parks cough up after underpaying staff
THIRTY percent of Darwin's caravan parks randomly checked by Fair Work inspectors were found to be underpaying staff, it has been revealed. Thirteen employees have been reimbursed more than $16,200 after a targeted campaign focused on caravan parks in the Top End city.

City turns off water fees after grey nomads' protest
A CITY in the centre of the arid New South Wales outback is no longer charging travellers for water after angry protests from grey nomads. Historic Broken Hill, close to the South Australian, Queensland and Victorian borders, was nominated as Australia's most RV unfriendly destination after slapping caravanners with a fee for topping up their onboard water tanks.

Former pollie joins peak industry body
CARAVAN Industry Association WA has appointed former controversial politician Katie Hodson-Thomas as its chief executive officer. Ms Hodson-Thomas, who blasted her way into the headlines three years ago when she dubbed the West Australian government a "boys' club", says she is looking forward to her new role.

Gemfields alive to the sound of fossickers
GREY nomads are reportedly flocking to the gemfields west of Emerald in Queensland in search of their fortune. Many believe new deposits of sapphires and other stones have been uncovered by Queensland's December-January floods. But one Victorian fossicker said: "We heard that an ll-carat blue sapphire had been found but I've yet to strike it lucky. I'd never heard of this place until somebody told me about it on our way north. Oh well, I'll just keep looking ... you never know." Have your say

Good night to Twilight Caravans
ADELAIDE'S Twilight Caravans at Blair Athol, dealers in Supreme, Trailstar and used caravans, has ceased trading. Shattered owner Michael Fox told Caravanning News he would go into voluntary liquidation and was sorry for his customers.

Adria unveils new low-cost tourer
ADRIA has released a new low-cost 18ft caravan which will sell for under $50,000. Importers R.V. Asia Pacific say the Adria Adventurer will appeal to both families and couples taking long or short trips around Australia, but who still want all modern conveniences to hand.

Strong opposition to proposed Crown land caravan park
AN analysis of public submissions over a planned 200-site caravan park in a small NSW seaside community has revealed strong opposition. A massive 89 percent of people said they were against building the park on Crown land at Cabarita Beach, arguing it could seriously damage the environment. The Land and Property Management Authority and Tweed Coast Holiday Park Reserve Trust said the caravan park would offer a range of accommodation and facilities for families, tourists and locals looking for weekend and short holiday getaways. Cabarita Beach/Bogangar Residents’ Association spokesman Ashley Baldry told Caravanning News: "We have no problem with the concept of a caravan park in our village, but this proposed development is just in the wrong place." Have your say

Hunt for pervert who filmed women in shower
POLICE are hunting a pervert who secretly filmed women showering at a Darwin tourist park. Other caravan parks in the Top End city were alerted and public toilets searched after the spy camera was found in the amenities block, but no further cameras were discovered.

Firies warn travellers about bushfire dangers
FIRIES in SA have warned caravanners to beware of bushfire areas when travelling. They staged a special display at an Adelaide caravan show to highlight the importance of having a survival plan because of the increased risk this year.

Double celebration for Aspen Parks
ASPEN Parks is cock-a-hoop after achieving the highest rating possible from stockbroking and financial research company Lonsec Limited. The news comes as the unlisted property fund, which operates a chain of successful caravan parks, celebrates its seventh anniversary.

Caravanning industry defies tourism trend
THE caravan and camping industry has defied the trend and is booming. The caravan, motorhome and camping industry says it continues to be the fastest growing domestic tourism sector in Australia. And with this in mind, organisers of next month's Penrith Caravan, Camping and Holiday Expo in NSW predict a successful event.

Parks may get mobile library service
CARAVAN parks in Victoria's Yarra Ranges may soon be provided with a mobile library service. The local council is considering buying two smaller vehicles in place of the current B-doubles used for the service which would mean easier access to more sites, including caravan parks.

Angry Kay dumps on park chain
CARAVANNER Kay McLellan is furious after allegedly being told by a Top Tourist park she would have to pay to use its dump point. The Queensland traveller told Caravanning News she was passing the South Australian park at Clare and decided to call in to renew her membership, handing over $30. She then asked if she could empty her toilet because there were no public dump points nearby. "I was told we could ... if we paid for an overnight site," the flabbergasted Kay, who was not planning to overnight in the area, was told. "I wish I had asked before paying another two years' subscription." A Top Tourist spokesman said: "As each park is individually owned and operated we are unable to comment. It depends on the park as to its  decision." The caravan park failed to respond when asked for a comment. Have your say

Grass even greener for caravanners
A QUEENSLAND company is making sure the grass is even greener for caravanners. It is now producing a special artificial turf package which does away with the vexed problem of dust, mud and water being walked into caravans.

Show claims to be biggest in regional Oz
A NEW caravan expo will hit the show circuit this month ... and organisers say it promises to be the biggest ever staged in regional Australia. The inaugural Border RV & Camping Expo at Wodonga & District Turf Club in Victoria is proving so popular that organisers are scrambling to find extra space to accommodate eager exhibitors.

BIG4 double at Swan Hill
THE BIG4 chain of holiday parks has recruited its second caravan park in Victoria's Murray River city of Swan Hill. Owned by Dennis and Dianne O'Bryan, the 4-star Riverside Swan Hill caravan park joins their other park, BIG4 Swan Hill, as members of the nation's biggest network of holiday destinations.

Caravan crooks cost bargain hunters dearly
BARGAIN hunters are still being conned out of thousands of dollars by crafty crooks offering cheap caravans for sale in newspaper and cyberspace classifieds. The latest victim, a Victorian caravanner, was conned out of $16,000 after being lured by a fake advertisement for a 2008 Roadstar.

Keely good job awaits caravanning couple
OH for a life on the ocean wave! Well, not exactly, but a Queensland sailing club is looking for a couple of caravanners to take care of its premises for a while. For the past 18 months, Victorians Charlie and Joy Cadby have been enjoying idyllic views of the sun setting over the canefields across the Burnett River in Bundaberg. But they feel it's time to return home for a spell, and the club needs to replace them.

Helping you plan your show visits
THOUSANDS of enthusiasts are flocking to this year's nationwide caravan and camping shows. The events offer a feast of offerings as dealers showcase their latest models and range of must-have accessories. Caravanning News has compiled a list of dates and venues of upcoming events.

Village goes nutty as council approves rest area
GREY nomads have applauded a Queensland council for agreeing to free overnight camping in the centre of one of its sleepy villages. And travellers may soon be jumping aboard the iconic Nut Mobile, bought by a local trader who pushed for the rest area to be sited in the centre of Bauple.

Club launches itself into cyberspace
MEMBERS of the Newcastle Caravan Club in NSW have entered cyberspace. The club, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, says it endeavours to move with the times and changing needs of each decade. Assistant secretary Bob Nott told Caravanning News the newly established website at www.newcastlecaravanclub.com will help people looking for useful information about the club and its activities. Have your say

Showground caravan park has main income potential
ALTHOUGH in need of upgrading, the caravan park at Griffith Showground in NSW still offers the facility its main income potential, according to a draft management plan. It suggests that if the showground – situated on Crown land – is to be better utilised there needs to be a focus on events and activities that would draw people to the site, including improving the "appearance and functionality" of the caravan park.

Bungle park bulging at seams
A NEW caravan park near the world-famous Bungle Bungles in WA is already bulging at the seams. Travellers are flocking to the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park, which opened in May. "We are full every night," a spokesman told Caravanning News. "The park has proved to be more than a hit, with our helicopter flights and tours proving very popular." Have your say

Ministerial praise for Jayco supplier
THE Victorian company which supplies shower bases for Jayco caravans has received a ministerial pat on the back. Officially opening King's Fibreglass's extended premises at Bayswater, Manufacturing, Exports and Trade Minister Richard Dalla-Riva commented: "It's an example of the ingenuity of a small manufacturer who grew the business through innovation and competitiveness." The company, which has risen from a backyard business in 1994 to a modern export operation, also produces other fibreglass components for Jayco and says it is proud to be connected with Australia's biggest producer of recreational vehicles. Have your say

All set for grand opening
JAYCO Albury Wodonga in NSW plans an official September opening for its new one-stop RV complex, claiming it is the biggest on the Hume Highway. "We are proud to be launching the largest dedicated RV dealership and authorised Jayco reseller and service centre in the area and on the Hume Highway," dealer principal Michael Houlihan said.

No mad dash after BIG4 relaxes dog ban
ONLY 15 percent of BIG4's caravan parks have so far been approved to accept dogs under its new pet policy. Australia's biggest chain of holiday parks finally bowed to mounting pressure for pet owners to be able to take their four-legged friends into its parks after a 32-year blanket ban. But figures show that only 28 BIG4 parks from a total membership of 180 have so far agreed to throw down the welcome mat to animals.

Boy, 13, charged with drink-driving at caravan park
POLICE have charged a 13-year-old boy with drink-driving after allegedly catching him driving a car erratically through a NSW caravan park. The youngster was arrested at the Stuarts Point holiday park in the state's north at about 10pm when officers saw him behind the wheel of a Toyota Cressida. He allegedly blew 0.04. They said a 30-year-old man, who was in the front passenger seat, had also been charged. Have your say

Second hall of fame honour for Jayco's Gerry Ryan
JAYCO boss Gerry Ryan has received his second hall of fame honour this year. The founder of Australia's biggest manufacturer of recreational vehicles has just been inducted into the Victorian Manufacturing Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Victoria’s manufacturing industry.

ATPM takes over Streaky Bay reins
AUSTRALIAN Tourist Park Management has been awarded the management rights for the 4-star Streaky Bay Foreshore Tourist Park in South Australia. The three-year deal with the District Council of Streaky Bay brings the company’s property portfolio to 27.

Parks benefit from federal tourism grants
THREE caravan parks will benefit from the Australian Government's latest round of TQUAL tourism grants. Coonamble Eco Spa and Caravan Park in NSW will receive $50,000, Lavers Hill Roadhouse and Caravan Park in Victoria will get $100,000 and Western Australia's Midland Caravan Park $100,000. Have your say

Controversial Bungle Bungles road toll lifted
CARAVANNERS are now being spared the controversial toll on the access road to Western Australia's iconic Bungle Bungles. There were angry protests when travellers in standard 4WDs were slugged with a $20 fee for using the 35km dirt track into the world heritage-listed Purnululu National Park. The road runs through Mabel Downs Station whose owner Jack Burton said the toll was necessary to help pay for maintaining the road. But a spokesperson told Caravanning News it had now been lifted. It is understood the government has agreed to maintain the road but negotiations are still ongoing and no formal agreement has been signed. Have your say

Tomato Island to get new $1.5m caravan, camping ground
PLANS have been announced for a new $1.5 million caravan and camping ground at Tomato Island in the Northern Territory. Also known as Munbililla, the location is 5.5km upstream of Ngukurr on the Roper River, about 330km south-east of Katherine along the Roper Highway.  

For stories from the last six editions of Caravanning News, click on the appropriate month:

July 2011	June 2011	May 2011	April 2011	March 2011	February 2011