A Strategic Approach to the Caravan and Camping Industry 2012

explores the impediments to, and opportunities for development of new caravan and
camping facilities in the region.
The issues identified are segmented into the various groups - consumer, industry and
government. For consumers, the availability and cost of caravan and camping sites
during periods of high seasonal demand is a major issue. The restrictions placed on
camping outside of licensed caravan parks is also of significant concern, particularly to
those travellers with self-contained recreational vehicles who consider that they
should be permitted to camp on all public land.
According to consumer caravan and camping membership organisations 7 , many
potential visitors claim to bypass Western Australia in favour of the Eastern States,
which are perceived to be more caravan and camping ‘friendly’. The Campervan and
Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA), with its 60,000 members, is very active in
lobbying for change to restrictive camping regulations. Although not officially
endorsed by the club, some members boycott towns they regard as ‘unfriendly’ and
there is discussion on boycotting the whole of Tasmania, over regulatory changes that
they consider detrimental to their lifestyle. Combined with the membership of the
various caravan club organisations under the ’Motouring’ banner, the CMCA has
considerable market power.
CMCA recently stated in its monthly member’s magazine, Wanderer, that member
users of ‘free camping’ are prepared to pay an appropriate fee for if it resulted in
better facilities, safety and security.
The Caravan Industry Association of Western Australia (CIAWA) is the peak industry
organisation for caravan parks, recreation vehicle manufacture and related equipment
distribution throughout the state. Whilst the latter are very consumer aware, caravan
parks are perceived by consumers to be protectionist, out of touch with the market
and failing to deliver in line with expectations.
Some major caravan park chains, marketing groups and larger independent operators
provide excellent customer service and are responsive to the changing environment,
though some of the small operators lack the commercial skills and professionalism
required to remain competitive. Customer service, yield management, cost control,
online booking and marketing skills are not consistent across the sector. There is an
urgent need for the caravan parks industry to establish formal skills training and
qualifications.
7 CMCA (WA) Consultation Meeting 27 October 2011
The issues for caravan park operators are primarily related to untimely and restrictive
planning approvals, Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Regulations, unfair
competition and increasing operating costs. There is also increasing demand for
residential sites and worker’s accommodation within caravan parks. Industry leaders
consulted indicated the industry was close to crisis point due to indecision and ‘red
tape’ associated with land access and the development approval process.
Government issues concerning compliance and governance of the industry and it’s
consumers, as well as supplying and maintaining facilities to fill gaps in commercial
service provision is both time-consuming and costly. This is in part due to the
pressures of other higher priority demands in a boom State. Local government
authorities are often too under resourced to provide planning approval decisions in a
timely manner. There are also complaints from industry that local government
appears to abdicate its role of ensuring travellers comply with the regulations by not
camping in unauthorised areas (whilst consumer’s complain they are heavy handed in
moving them on).
Wider issues uncovered during the audit process include a lack of accurate records
regarding the number and type of caravan and camping sites and out-dated statistical
data on caravan park and campground occupancy and sites nights (previously
collected and published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics). This will become a
major issue for prospective investors and developers, as the latest data (June 2010)
dates and becomes less relevant for preparing feasibility studies and business cases.
This report has identified gaps in the provision of caravan and camping infrastructure,
particularly in coastal locations. The following priority localities have been identified
as having a critical gap between supply and quality, relative to demand and
expectations:
Exmouth Ashburton
Shark Bay Port Hedland
Carnarvon/ Coral Bay Roebourne/Karratha
Esperance Augusta/Margaret River
Upper Gascoyne Busselton
Broome Mandurah
Derby -West Kimberley Murray
Wyndham-East Kimberley Rockingham
Gingin/ Lancelin
The recommendations were developed with a single primary aim – to make Western
Australia the preferred caravan and camping holiday destination and deliver on
expectations through a sustainable supply framework. As many of the most desirable
A Strategic Approach to Caravan and Camping Tourism in Western Australia Page 6