The Albanese Government is backing Aussie caravan parks with a $10 million funding boost to support upgrades and new facilities.
Under the program announced in the 2022-23 budget, 111 caravan parks will receive grants of between $10,000 and $100,000 to deliver new and improved accommodation, facilities and amenities.
Funding will support a range of projects, including new caravan/camping sites, new accommodation such as glamping tents and cabins, or substantial renovations to existing accommodation.
Grants will also support upgrades to sites, cabins or amenities, including to make them more accessible or environmentally friendly, and upgrades to visitor amenities or recreational facilities.
Grants were awarded on a competitive basis to eligible park owners with plans for infrastructure upgrades that align with the program objectives, with funding to be provided on a shared investment basis.
Parks with 2021-22 annual turnovers under $10 million will match grant funding on a minimum dollar-for-dollar basis, while those with turnovers of $10 million or more will contribute at least $2 for every grant dollar, leveraging more than $32 million in total investment.
Successful projects must be completed by 15 May 2024.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell:
"These grants will provide a welcome boost for privately-owned caravan parks in regions all around the country.
"Caravan parks are easily one of the most popular holiday accommodation choices, particularly for families, budget-conscious travellers and travellers who want to get off the beaten track and explore everything our country has to offer.
"Almost 90 percent of domestic caravan and camping trips take place in regional areas.
"This funding will deliver better experiences and more options to suit everyone's budget and needs.
"It won't just only improve accommodation options for travellers, it will deliver economic benefits for local communities that rely heavily on tourism.
"Tourism Research Australia's recent monthly snapshot figures show the overnight spend of Australians travelling domestically at $11 billion in October 2022.
"That's up $3.3 billion, or 42 percent, on the equivalent pre-pandemic period.
"Demand for holiday accommodation continues to strengthen as the visitor economy recovers."
Quotes attributable to Caravan Industry Association of Australia Chief Executive, Stuart Lamont:
"Caravanning has long been Australian domestic tourism's largest visitor and economic cohort, an almost $27 billion economic driver in tourism and local manufacturing activity.
"This well-targeted funding will go directly into our world leading caravan park product across the nation directly benefiting the consumer.
"Delivering more compelling accommodation and holiday stopover experiences in caravan parks we know will appeal to Australians from all walks of life as well as returning international visitors.
"As the national peak body for caravanning we look forward to seeing these exciting projects roll-out across the country and thank the Commonwealth Government and Austrade for the program establishment and their efforts in deliver to date."
