Q Q
A A
GoRV: Are holiday park operators taking
new bookings or are they only staying
open to permanents and the full-time
travellers who are classed as essential
travellers and have no fixed address?
SL: Most holiday park operators turned
off bookings over the Easter break but
are now slowing turning online booking
systems back on as Australians move to
the dreaming and planning phase.
The ability to physically accept guests
will remain very much with the
government and caravan parks have
been responsible in following
instructions. Most caravan parks remain
open on very strict entry (requirements),
which includes to permanents, those
with no fixed address or essential
travellers, but it is dependant upon the
restrictions which apply in each
individual state.
Q
GoRV: Have any parks been forced to
close permanently due to financial
hardship?
GoRV: Are Australian holiday parks
eligible for government financial
assistance to help them stay afloat?
SL: There is no specific government
assistance to parks per se; however,
most should qualify for the raft of
packages which have been announced
by both state and federal governments.
Most would expectedly be down over 30
per cent in revenue and so would qualify
for Jobkeeper, while the ATO support for
those employing staff will relieve tax
obligations from early April.
Each state also has various grant
packages which are able to be applied
for, as well as exemptions on payroll tax
(although this would only apply to a few),
benefits on utility pricing, and in some
cases land tax.
A
SL: We have not heard of any yet, but that
is not to say this will not happen. There are
a number of transit parks in regional areas
which have been devastated by natural
disasters or the impact of non-compliant
and non-commercial camping in their
regions which will be under incredible
financial stress.