As Australians prepare to head to the polls, Caravan Industry Association of Australia has unveiled a forward-thinking roadmap, The Road Ahead: A View to the Future. Focused on improving road safety, driving regional growth, and fostering sustainability, these national policy priorities aim to strengthen Australia’s caravanning industry—a vital contributor to tourism and regional economies.
While these initiatives have a nationwide focus, they also hold particular promise for Tasmanian operators and travellers, ensuring our state remains a key part of Australia’s caravanning future.
Making Roads Safer Across Australia
With 900,000 registered RVs on Australian roads, ensuring the safety of drivers and travellers has never been more important. The Road Ahead includes a $3 million subsidised towing course program to train 10,000 participants annually and a $2 million National Safe Towing Campaign to raise awareness about safe towing practices.
For Tasmania, where our winding roads and diverse terrains present unique challenges, these initiatives will be especially beneficial. Whether it’s first-time travellers or seasoned adventurers towing their caravans, these measures are designed to align with the National Road Safety Strategy, making roads safer for everyone.
Supporting Regional Communities Nationwide
Caravanning is the lifeblood of domestic tourism, particularly in regional Australia. Last year, the industry contributed a remarkable $27 billion to GDP, with Australians making 15.3 million trips and staying 60.7 million visitor nights, many in rural and regional areas.
The proposed $10 million Caravan Park Infrastructure Grant Program will invest in modernising caravan parks across Australia, with a focus on accessibility, eco-friendly upgrades, and infrastructure improvements. While this is a national initiative, Tasmania’s parks and communities are well-positioned to benefit from the economic flow-on effects, just as we’ve seen with previous rounds of grant funding.
As Stuart Lamont, CEO of Caravan Industry Association of Australia, explains:
“Regional economies benefitted significantly from previous funding, not only through infrastructure investment but through increased visitation to our beautiful regions.”
Investing in Sustainability
Sustainability is at the heart of these policies, with a $40 million National Caravan Industry Sustainability Fund proposed over five years. This fund will support caravan parks across Australia in adopting eco-friendly practices and reducing emissions. Additionally, a 5% tax rebate for carbon-neutral caravan parks will help operators embrace green initiatives, benefiting both the environment and business operations.
For Tasmania, known for its pristine landscapes and eco-conscious approach, these initiatives align with the state’s commitment to sustainable tourism. They also create opportunities for operators to enhance their offerings while contributing to national emissions reduction goals.
Key Initiatives in The Road Ahead
Nationwide Focus:
- Accessible and Sustainable Parks:
- $10 million in funding to modernise caravan parks, prioritising eco-friendly and accessible upgrades.
- Safer Roads:
- $3 million for subsidised towing courses, targeting 10,000 participants annually.
- $2 million National Safe Towing Campaign to improve education and awareness.
- Future Fuels and Decarbonisation:
- $40 million National Caravan Industry Sustainability Fund over five years.
- 5% tax rebate for carbon-neutral caravan parks.
- Supporting Manufacturing and Small Business:
- Tax offsets for sustainable manufacturing.
- Permanent extension of the Instant Asset Write-Off program for manufacturers.
- $5 million Small Business Red Tape Reduction Fund over four years.
- $1 million annually for Digital Transformation Grants.
Why It Matters for Tasmania
While these initiatives are part of a national strategy, they hold significant potential for Tasmania. Improved safety measures and infrastructure funding can attract more visitors to our state, supporting local businesses and helping caravan park operators meet growing demand.
As the Federal Election approaches, these priorities offer a clear pathway to safer journeys, stronger regional economies, and a more sustainable future for Australia’s caravanning industry—including here in Tassie.
For more details, visit the Caravan Industry Association of Australia website: https://www.caravanindustry.com.au/
You can read the roadmap here.
If you’d like to discuss how these policies could impact your business or park, reach out to Caravanning Tasmania. Together, we can ensure Tasmania plays a key role in shaping Australia’s caravanning future.