Federal gov launches $10M update for caravan parks to boost regional tourism

The Federal Government has revealed further details about its $10 million grant program to support upgrades and new facilities at caravan parks across the country.

Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell launched applications for the program today, which will provide grants of between $10,000 and $100,000 on a shared investment basis for capital expenditure projects at privately-owned caravan parks.

Farrell said caravan parks played a critical role in providing affordable holiday accommodation for families and budget-conscious travellers.

“The $10 million grant funding will assist caravan park owners to upgrade or create new infrastructure and visitor facilities, including improvements to accessibility,” Farrell said.

“This is a welcome boost for regional tourism and another important investment in the visitor economy.

“It will improve the visitor experience of travellers around the country.

“Domestic tourism is recovering strongly and in many parts of the country has already rebounded to pre-pandemic levels.

“Upgrading caravan parks will further encourage Australians to hit the road and experience the very best of Australia’s coastal and inland regions.”

Caravan Industry Association of Australia chief executive Stuart Lamont said the targeted Federal infrastructure support package recognised the growing and critical value of caravanning to Australia’s tourism and visitor economy.

“Caravanning has long been Australian domestic tourism’s largest visitor and economic cohort, an almost $24 billion economic driver in tourism and local manufacturing activity,” Lamont said.

“This well-targeted funding will go directly into our world-leading caravan park product across the nation.

“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.”

Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis to eligible park owners with plans for infrastructure upgrades that align with the program objectives and outcomes. Applicants must provide evidence their projects can be completed by May 2024.

The grant funding amount must be matched on a dollar-for-dollar basis for caravan parks with an annual turnover under $10 million in the 2021-22 financial year.

Caravan parks with revenue of $10 million or more in the same year will need to contribute $2 for every government grant dollar.

Applicants who own more than one caravan park can apply for multiple grants at different sites up to a total value of $300,000.

Applications for grants will open on 21 November and close on 22 December 2022.

Image: Perlubie Beach, Streaky Bay, South Australia (iStock/Mackenzie Sweetnam)