SHAREHOLDERS in a Perth-based company which operates a nationwide chain of caravan parks are being urged to fight moves to throw out all but one of its board members.

Aspen Group chairman Reg Gillard will plead with investors to retain himself, managing director Gavin Hawkins and director Terry Budge when investors vote at a crisis meeting on March 24.

The parent company of Aspen Parks was thrown into turmoil after shareholder Entrust Funds Management requisitioned a meeting of shareholders with resolutions to remove the trio and reinstate former managing director Angelo Del Borrello, who was sacked last year.

Entrust also wants Richard Colless to be non-executive chairman and its funds management managing director David Franklyn to be added to the board.

But in a letter to shareholders, Mr Gillard urged caution over what he called the "hostile action".

He wrote: "I am deeply concerned that the passing of any of these resolutions could significantly destabilise the senior executive team.

"The board remains committed to improving shareholder value by executing its strategy for growth. We are already seeing positive results."

• THE Aspen Group recently announced an after-tax operating profit of $16 million for the half-year ending December 31, 2010. It said that after accounting for significant non-cash items such as "revaluation and fair value adjustments", an after-tax profit of $7.7 million was recorded. This was well down on the previous corresponding period's $13 million. The Aspen Parks division had been a "significant contributor", pouring $3 million into its parent company's income from its mining, accommodation and tourism parks, the group said in a statement.

Rear and side views of the stolen caravan

THIEVES have ruined the retirement dreams of a Victorian couple. The crooks made off with Scott and Maria Smith's custom-built Bluestone caravan just two weeks before they were due to head off on their planned east-coast and central-Australia adventure. "We are shattered," the 57-year-old caravanners, from the Melbourne suburb of Coburg, said.

Fleetwood celebrates 74pc leap in revenue
THE West Australian-based Fleetwood Corporation, manufacturers of the Coromal and Windsor range of caravans, is celebrating a 74 percent first-half leap in revenue. And investors have welcomed news that the Perth company lifted its operating profit during the period by 45 percent to $24.4 million and cranked up its interim fully franked dividend to 32 cents.

New pool rules take temporary dive
ENFORCEMENT of new regulations which will mean tougher swimming pool safety laws for Queensland's caravan parks have been put on the backburner. The state government has decided to relax implementation for at least six months in the wake of devastating cyclones and some of the worst flooding ever in the state.

Caravanning, camping worth billions to NSW
CARAVANNING and camping pour billions of dollars into NSW's economy. In fact, the outdoor life remains one of its fastest growing tourism sectors, accounting for a third of all nights spent camping or caravanning in Australia making it the nation's favourite camping state.

Fresh start for Golden Sands
A CHANGE of name and new managers will herald a fresh new start for a beachside caravan park in Queensland. Confusion has reigned over the future of Bundaberg Regional Council's holiday park at Moore Park Beach since future bookings were blocked last year.

Travellers welcome bull bar decision
CARAVANNERS have welcomed news that the federal government has rejected moves to ban bull bars from vehicles to protect pedestrians. "In no circumstances will the government consider banning bull bars or contemplate any lessening of the protection they provide," Parliamentary Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport Catherine King said. "We are committed to ensuring that people remain fully protected in animal strikes and other hazardous situations where bull bars play a key role."   Have your say

Cliff-top koala park set for $3.3m facelift
VICTORIA'S three-star, 145-site Portland Bay Holiday Park – home to recently-born twin koalas – will undergo $3.3m facelift. The news comes after Australian Tourist Park Management was awarded a 21-year lease to operate the council-owned cliff-top park near the Discovery Coast's famous lighthouse.

Chain relaxes no-dogs policy after 32 years
A DECISION by the BIG4 chain of holiday and caravan parks to relax its longstanding no-dogs policy from July 1 has received a mixed reaction from caravanners. In a statement, the chain said it had undertaken an "in-depth review" of the rule which has barred canines from its parks throughout Australia for 32 years.

Discovery reaps rewards with new accounts system
DISCOVERY Caravan Parks' hi-tech accounts system has saved the Adelaide-based company about half a million dollars in accounts processing. The largest owner-operator of accommodation parks in Australia, it has used an automated accounts system to reduce costs and cut administrative staff by five.

Mayor to officially open rally
AROUND 150 caravans will descend on Cowra when the NSW Association of Caravan Clubs holds its 2011 State Caravan Rally. The March 3-6 gathering at the local showground is expected to pour tens of thousands of dollars into the local economy. Mayor of Cowra Bill West will officially open the rally.   Have your say

Couple's road to warranty justice
VICTORIANS Bruce and Veronica Mitchell, who claim they were sold a faulty brand new caravan, have taken their grouse on to Australia's highways and byways. But not before dumping their gleaming new $49,000 caravan, which they say was riddled with problems, and replacing it with a 21ft Jayco Sterling.

Aussie caravanners set for American adventure
AUSSIE caravanners will be 'California Dreaming' when they join a 24-day escorted motorhome safari through south-west America later this year. They will be led by award-winning tour guide Jeremy Perks and partner Jan Barrie, directors of Western Australia's Global Gypsies. The road trip gets underway on September 7.   Have your say

Angry protestors take battle into cyberspace
CARAVANNERS holding casual tenancies at Fingal Holiday Park on NSW's Tweed Coast are protesting over council plans to scrap their agreements. The Tweed Coast Holiday Parks Reserves Trust has told 78 caravan owners they have to quit within a year to make way for tourist cabins and ensuite sites as part of an overhaul of seven parks on Crown land. The furious caravanners have now taken their battle into cyberspace, creating a website with links to an online petition.   Have your say

Campaign to lure caravanners back to Sunshine State
CARAVANNING Queensland has organised an ambitious $400,000 campaign to lure grey nomads and other caravanners back to the cyclone and flood-ravaged state. Mother Nature left a multi-billion dollar trail of destruction which had caravan parks and tourist attractions on their knees as tourist numbers plunged in the Sunshine State.

Smoke alarms now compulsory in NSW
THE safety of holidaymakers in NSW has been improved with smoke alarms now compulsory in caravans, campervans and other moveable dwellings where people sleep. The regulation change took effect from February 25 and also applies to holiday caravans, park annexes and associated structures, but not tents.

Roadstar newcomer helps tame the harsh terrain
WITH the major show circuit already underway, caravan manufacturers are revealing their new offerings. And among the new models recently announced is the impressive Safari Tamer from the Roadstar stable.

Blueprint for boosting grey nomad tourism
CARAVANNERS have welcomed the findings of a state government inquiry into boosting grey nomad tourism in regional Queensland. The parliamentary committee’s report makes 19 recommendations aimed at increasing the number of senior road travellers and for using their valuable tourism dollars to improve local economies.

Helping you to plan your show visits
ORGANISERS and exhibitors are gearing up as thousands of enthusiasts prepare flock to this year's nationwide caravan and camping shows. The events promise 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.

UFO event planned for outback park
A NORTHERN Territory desert caravan park famous for its "alien" sightings will host its first UFO conference this month. Up to a thousand enthusiasts and just the plain curious are expected to hit the BIG4 Wycliffe Well Holiday Park, located in an area ranked fifth in the world for 'extraterrestrial' sightings.

Inaugural show proves a hit
NEW South Wales' first ever Newcastle Caravan, Camping and Holiday Expo has been hailed a resounding success. More than twice the number of anticipated visitors flocked to last month's three-day event at the Newcastle Jockey Club in Broadmeadow.

New guide showcases over 180 holiday destinations
BIG4 has released its new guide showcasing more than 180 holiday and caravan parks around Australia. The 131-page easy-to-read guide contains a wealth of information and is colour-coded for each state.

Adria's spruced up Altea set for Oz
ADRIA'S newly spruced up Altea 432PX is scheduled to arrive in Australia at the end of this month. And importer R.V. Asia Pacific says the latest model will come without a price-rise and is sure to be a best seller.

Caravan parks alert for fugitive killer
CARAVAN parks throughout Australia have been put on alert as the huge manhunt for a convicted killer continues. Fugitive Graham Potter is known to have spent six weeks at a Tully caravan park in Queensland before giving police the slip during a routine traffic check.

Little Guy stands tall at Adelaide show
CLAIMED to be the smallest caravan on the Australian market, one exhibit attracted great interest at a major show in South Australia. Little Guy Trailers' spokesperson Elissa O'Donohue told Caravanning News her company had been showered with compliments about the 2.2m-long 'Little Guy' during the Adelaide Caravan and Camping Expo.

Damages awarded after teen treated 'disrespectfully' at park
A YOUNG man who at age 18 was told he could not walk around a NSW caravan park at night without his parents has won his battle for compensation. Ryan Johnson, now aged 20, has been awarded $7500 for age discrimination and victimisation during his holiday at the award-winning 3.5-star Ocean Beach Holiday Park on the state's central coast. 

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

February 2011	January 2011	December 2010	November 2010	October 2010	September 2010