Camps ad

 

Caravanning News is registered with the National Library of Australia's PANDORA archive

APRIL 2019



 

  BREAKING NEWS

Caravan side-swiped on Kuranda RangeAPRIL 30:
Police are appealing for help after a caravan was side-swiped on the Kuranda Range in far north Queensland. The incident happened at about 9.50am on Sunday when a ute towing a horse float down the range allegedly crossed double white lines on the hairpin bend, side-swiping a grey New Age caravan being towed by a silver Ford Ranger. Police want anyone who travelled the Kuranda Range at about the same time and has dashcam footage or saw vehicles involved to contact them, quoting reference number QP1900827196.

Albany Gardens Holiday resort and lifestyle villageAPRIL 30:
Albany Gardens Holiday Resort and Albany Gardens Lifestyle Village in south-east WA are on the market "as a going concern" for $5.95 million. "The existing 162 sites (63 long-term), developed over two lots, would enable an incoming buyer to operate and maintain both assets profitably with minimal staffing," according to CBRE Hotels, who is selling the property in conjunction with Caravan Park Brokers Australia.

APRIL 30:
Aspen Group, which operates a chain of lifestyle and holiday resorts, has changed the location of its registered office and principal place of business from Pitt St in Sydney to 21 Oxford St at Bondi Junction.

NSW Caravan Camping Holiday SupershowAPRIL 29:
THE finishing touches were being made today to the week-long 2019 NSW Caravan Camping Holiday Supershow which opens tomorrow. Organised by the Caravan Camping Industry Association NSW and boasting over 300 exhibitors, it is the State's biggest annual showcase of all things caravanning and camping. Outdoor enthusiasts can climb aboard all the latest model motorhomes, campervans, caravans and camper trailers, examine the newest and best camping equipment and find out about the hottest new destinations and holiday parks during the event at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, Rosehill.

Stollen camperAPRIL 28:
This distinctive six-wheeled camper was stolen from Berriedale in Tasmania last night. The white 2013 Nissan Patrol Camper, bearing Queensland registration plates 185XLJ, was last seen travelling south on Main Road shortly after 8pm. Anyone who has seen the vehicle or knows its current location is asked to contact Tasmania Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.

Lethal canisterAPRIL 28:
Grey nomads and other travellers heading to far north Queensland beaches have been warned about potentially lethal aluminium phosphide canisters washing up on the sand. Canisters have recently been found on eastern beaches of the Cape York Peninsula. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services said they can be toxic, flammable and extremely dangerous if handled. Anyone who sees one should call Triple Zero (000).

West Beach caravan parkAPRIL 26:
A woman suffered pelvic injuries after becoming trapped under a caravan at the BIG4 West Beach caravan park, Adelaide, today. The injured holidaymaker, in her 50s, was taken by ambulance to Royal Adelaide Hospital with non life-threatening injuries. It is still unclear how she became trapped. An ambulance spokesperson told Caravanning News the woman was conscious and talking during her ordeal. "She was caught under the caravan but we have no further details," she said. Two fire crews attended. A Metropolitan Fire Service spokeswoman said they were on the scene for about 15 minutes. "They chocked the wheels of the caravan to stop it rolling back or forwards," she explained. "They did not have to lift the caravan."

APRIL 26:
Fire crews tackled a caravan blaze at Shelly Beach Caravan Park at Torquay in Hervey Bay, Queensland, last night. No one injured. A spokesperson for Queensland Fire and Emergency Services told Caravanning News the caravan was "well alight" when crews arrived but it took only minutes to bring the fire under control. There were no details available on the cause of the blaze.

APRIL 25:
Reports coming in of caravan and truck collision on Queensland's Bruce Hwy at Waverley Creek. No reported injuries.

Calm caravannerAPRIL 25:
Queensland's Fraser Coast Regional Council has endorsed a new strategy to position the region as a premier RV, caravan and camping destination. Councillor Paul Truscott said it would guide the monitoring and management of RV sites within the region and provide a roadmap to grow the sector over the long term. "“The Fraser Coast region has a great opportunity to capture an increasing market share of Queensland’s caravan, camping and RV markets, and this strategy outlines directions and actions to ensure the sector reaches its full potential," he explained.

APRIL 25:
Tourism Research Australia's latest data reveals caravan and camping trips continue to grow, reaching new record high of 12.8 million in 12-months.

APRIL 25:
Residents at Harvey Shire Council community meeting in WA call for more 24-hour parking facilities for caravanners and other RVers.

Burned out caravanAPRIL 24:
This is all that was left of a caravan which erupted in flames after jackknifing on Chinchilla Wondai Rd at Ballogieon in Queensland yesterday afternoon. A rural fire service spokesman said the twin-axle caravan rolled onto the opposite side of the South Burnett road and flames appeared while it was being unhitched from a LandCruiser. They quickly spread to adjoining grassland. No one was hurt and no other vehicles were thought to have been involved.

APRIL 24:
Queensland caravanner Ronald Toft, 73, accused of attempting to kidnap six-year-old girl at BIG4 West Beach caravan park in SA on Good Friday, now granted bail. Mr Toft, who was staying at the park with his wife, expected to reappear in Port Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday.

APRIL 23:
Multi-vehicle smash including caravan closes Bruce Hwy near Colosseum, Gladstone. No reports of injuries.

West Beach holiday parkAPRIL 23:
A 73-year-old Queensland caravanner is expected to appear in court today over an alleged attempted abduction of a young girl at a packed holiday park in South Australia. Detectives arrested and charged the man, who was staying at the park with his wife, with attempted kidnapping following an incident at BIG4 West Beach park west of Adelaide. He was refused police bail. Horrified parents of other children have slammed the park for allegedly keeping them in the dark during the two days it took to trace the man. Police said they were called after claims a young girl had been approached by a man who asked her to walk away with him. The girl’s mother intervened and he left the scene. Police said the child was not injured or threatened. They have asked anyone who saw the alleged incident or who has information that could help the investigation to contact them.

Dubbo Midstate Caravan ParkAPRIL 21:
Dubbo Midstate Caravan Park in NSW on measles alert. People who stayed at the park on April 11 have been advised to contact their doctor if they suffer measles symptoms between now and at least May 6. The alert comes after a 22-year-old unvaccinated man was diagnosed with the highly-contagious disease after returning to the city from three weeks in New Zealand. Western NSW Local Health District public health manager Priscilla Stanley said attempts were being made to contact people who may have been in the same location as the man while he was infectious. "There is no public health risk at those locations now," she assured. "However, people who were there at the time and who have not had two doses of measles vaccine should keep an eye for symptoms." The alert applies to anyone who also visited the local medical centre and emergency department on April 11, 13, 16 and 17. Attempts by Caravanning News to contact the caravan park were unsuccessful.

APRIL  20:
Nine-month-old girl dies after vehicle reportedly towing caravan rolled on Collie-Tallanalla Road near WA town of Collie in Harris River State Forest. Driver and adult passenger received minor injuries.

APRIL 18:
A dog which fell off the back of a ute today and, unknown to the driver, was runover by the caravan being towed by the vehicle is recovering. Bonnie, a nine-month old Beagle, suffered a broken pelvis and is now being treated at the Buninyong Veterinary Clinic. A spokesperson told Caravanning News that the dog was microchipped and its owner had been contacted. A local who went to the badly injured dog's aid outside a servo at Creswick is also recovering after reportedly being bitten. He posted on Facebook: "I do have a rather chewed up hand. I know that you have to be very careful with injured animals but I just reacted. My hand will heal. I just hope the poor dog does as well. The poor thing was in immense pain."

APRIL 18:
Woman being treated by ambulance officers at scene of car and caravan accident on NSW's Hume Hwy north of Green Hills Road. Two children also being assessed. Coromal caravan completely wrecked.

Imbil caravan park and campgroundAPRIL 18:
The caravan park and campground at Borumba Deer Park on the banks of Yabby Creek at Imbil in Queensland is up for sale at $2.1 million. "As the name suggests, there are around 25 deer at the park in which you can feed, plus two pet pigs, three pet goats and two very friendly pet deer," says ResortBrokers selling agent Lindsay Cooper. The 26ha creek-front site is said to have a "consistent year-on-year turnover" with a net income of over $251,000.

Jurgens Caravans logoAPRIL 18:
Jurgens Caravans Australia has announced that legal proceedings instituted by AL-KO have been withdrawn. AL-KO International had moved to have the troubled caravan builder wound up. "We acknowledge that the last 12 months have been particularly difficult," director Paul Kyriacou said in a statement. "This was precipitated by a strike at a key supplier and we are still feeling the knock-on effect. However, with each passing month we are strengthening our supply chain." He admitted Jurgens' customer service and warranty process had "not lived up the expectations", adding that it had now changed its business model with the launch of an in-house customer service, sales and warranty team.

DefibrillatorAPRIL 17:
THE Federal Government will spend $1 million to support the installation of defibrillators at camping sites throughout Australia in a partnership with the industry's peak body, the Caravan Industry Association of Australia. Association chief executive Stuart Lamont welcomed the funding as an exciting and yet common sense initiative that will put the best technology into holiday locations across the nation. "Caravan parks are popular holiday destinations – particularly with senior Australians who are at an increased risk of heart attack," he said. "We also know that in rural and regional areas it can take longer for an ambulance to arrive, given the distances they sometimes have to travel."

Monash rolloverAPRIL 17:
EMERGENCY services at scene of 4WD and Coromal caravan rollover on the Monash Freeway in Victoria. Right-hand southbound lane closed on Pakenham Bypass near Soldiers Road. Speed limit past accident site reduced to 40kph. Not known at this stage whether anyone injured. Motorists urged to avoid the area.
 

New Age logoAPRIL 17:
New Age Caravans dealers at Newcastle and Sydney are offering "VIP appointments" and free entry to next month's NSW Caravan Camping Holiday Supershow at the Rosehill Gardens Racecourse, Sydney.

APRIL 17:
Caravan parks in and around Katherine in the Northern Territory report an early onslaught of southern grey nomads.

APRIL 17:
Caravan Industry Association of Australia issues reminder that nominations for the new Gerry Ryan OAM Award for Innovation close on April 21.

APRIL 17:
Thieves stole Darwin great grandmother Junella Scott's caravan containing all her personal and sentimental possessions after she left it in a street at Karama.

APRIL 17:
Mount Isa Police have reminded caravan owners and travellers to remain vigilant with security measures.

APRIL 16:
Queensland Government to pour $3m into Australia Zoo's plan to set up an $8m 108-site overnight caravan and camping area adjoining the iconic tourist attraction at Beerwah on the Sunshine Coast.

Thief cartoonAPRIL 15:
Yorke Mid-North police in SA are asking holidaymakers to be vigilant and lock their caravans over the Easter and school holiday break. "Opportunistic thieves have been known to target popular holiday destinations, so please ensure your property is secured at all times while in caravan parks," a spokesperson said. "Lock away your esky, fishing rods, bicycles and other items. You wouldn't leave your valuables outside your home, so please don't leave them outside your caravans, holiday shacks or tents." Police will be conducting extra patrols around the popular holiday spots this Easter break and during school holidays. People who see anything suspicious activity in or around caravan parks or holidays homes are urged to contact the police assistance line on 131 444.

Wycheproof Caravan Park, VictoriaAPRIL 15:
Buloke Shire Council in Victoria is looking for a management company to take over the reins of its Wycheproof Caravan Park. It wants expressions of interest from suitable organisations who will give the park a new lease of life. "Given the high-profile Calder Highway frontage, council is interested in proposals that will build upon the current tourism and economic development offerings in Wycheproof," it said. "Council is seeking an interested party to manage the park, with various management proposals willing to be considered to ensure the best long-term outcome for the caravan park and the Wycheproof community." The park is currently managed directly by the council. Closing date for submissions is April 26.

APRIL 15:
Police hunting thieves who made off with televisions after raiding a caravan on the Kingaroy-Cooyar Rd at Nanango in Queensland's South Burnett region.

Tiffin motorhomeAPRIL 14:
THE Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued a recall notice on some Tiffin recreational vehicles after fears their Cummins engines could experience a fall in air compressor output and affect air braking. "If air braking is impacted, the condition progresses and audible and visible warnings are ignored, the parking brake would eventually be applied automatically, increasing the risk of an accident," the recall says. The suspect ISV5.0 engines equipped with Option CP80007 were sold nationally by Tiffin Motorhomes Australia and were manufactured by Cummins between May 29, 2015, and September 17, 2018. Cummins has sent notification letters to owners informing them of the safety issue. It will replace the existing high mount air compressor configuration of affected engines with a new low mount air compressor configuration. For further information, contact Cummins on 1300 286 646. Suspect engine serial numbers include 81014336, 81014178, 81019111, 81019193, 81010227, 81029082, 81029271, 81028962, 81031314, 81031799, 81028518, 81029567 and 81028966.

APRIL 11:
Two caravanners received minor injuries when their 4WD and caravan flipped on the Dirranbandi Road south of St George in south west Queensland this afternoon. No other vehicles thought to be involved.

APRIL 11:
SA's Streaky Bay District Council has has been refused funding from the Building Better Regions Fund towards its Foreshore Tourist Park development.

Coraki Riverside caravan park, NSWAPRIL 11:
Richmond Valley Council's caravan park in Coraki, NSW, will undergo a $550,000 upgrade following a Federal Government grant. Mayor Robert Mustow has welcomed the funding which will go towards improving the Coraki Riverside Caravan Park, a member of the Kui Parks chain. Meanwhile, the council (02 6660 0300) is preparing to provide eight new RV parking spaces in the Casino CBD and has asked for travellers' comments. The bays are located on the east side of Hickey Street in front of McAuliffe Park and opposite the Casino TAFE and Woolworths car park. It has to decide whether to provide 45-degree nose-in parking or 45-degree rear-to-kerb parking and wants to receive RVers' preferences before April 14.

APRIL 11:
Hazard reduction burn escaped its confines and destroyed a caravan on private land at Tasmania's Dolphin Sands. No one injured.

APRIL 10:
Two caravanners had a lucky escape when their rig rolled on NSW's Pacific Highway near Brunswick Heads in the State's north.

Legend Ground BreakerAPRIL 10:
NSW police have appealed for help in tracing thieves who made off with a luxury caravan from a storage facility in Marrickville last month. The Inner West Police Area Command says the 26ft RV is worth $260,000. About 11.30pm on Saturday March 30, two men dressed in orange high visibility workwear, possibly aged in their early 40s, broke into premises. They hooked up a black and white Legend Ground Breaker caravan to a flatbed tow truck and drove away. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au

APRIL 9:
South Melbourne's notorious low bridge in Montague St has claimed another RV, with a motorhome losing its roof. No one injured.

APRIL 9:
Di and Nigel Gray have retired after managing Clarence Town's caravan park in NSW for 18 years. The local council decided to close Williams River Holiday Park because of "safety and compliance" issues.

Lane Cove caravan parkAPRIL 9:
Delaware North has secured a 30-year lease to operate the popular award-winning 204-site Lane Cove River Tourist Park 10km north of Sydney. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has run the caravan park, which will be renamed Lane Cove Holiday Park, since 1998.

APRIL 9:
Queensland man, 31, will appear in court on May 20 accused of taking inappropriate images of a woman at a caravan park in Moree, NSW.

APRIL 8:
More than two-thirds of the 50-plus residents attending a recent community meeting at Buxton in Queensland's Bundaberg region voted in favour of an RV overnight facility being provided for travellers.

APRIL 8:
Motorcyclist airlifted to hospital after colliding with caravan at Great Lakes in NSW on the weekend.

APRIL 8:
Members of the Australian Caravan Club poured almost $75,000 into SA's Murray Bridge economy during their recent Chairman's Muster in the city. Club chairman Craig Humphrey said this equated to around $850 per recreational vehicle.

APRIL 7:
Apollo Tourism and Leisure has appointed Karl Trouchet ‒ who has more than 20 years of experience in the RV market and was co-founder of the original company in Brisbane ‒ into the newly created position of executive director of strategy and special projects.

** BREAKING NEWS - MARCH 2019
** BREAKING NEWS - FEBRUARY 2019,
** BREAKING NEWS - JANUARY 2019

** BREAKING NEWS - DECEMBER 2018

** BREAKING NEWS - NOVEMBER 2018
** BREAKING NEWS - OCTOBER 2018
 

RETURN TO CARAVANNING NEWS MAIN PAGE

No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted without
the prior written permission of Dennis Amor.

Copyright 2005 Dennis Amor
All Rights Reserved

:

Kui Parks advert

Caravan Council of Australi advert