The recent Victorian State Budget in Australia highlights ongoing structural challenges for the caravan and camping industry, according to the association Caravan Industry Victoria (CIV).

CIV says that while the government has delivered a modest surplus, there is limited new investment in tourism and continued pressure on businesses in the sector due to taxation reliance.

“Caravan and camping is a key part of Victoria’s visitor economy and a major contributor to regional communities, yet this budget provides little in the way of targeted support for tourism growth,” said CIV’s CEO, Daniel Sahlberg.

“With consumer confidence still subdued and costs continuing to rise, many businesses are operating in a challenging environment.”

The key concerns of the budget, as highlighted by CIV, include ongoing cost pressures driven by land and payroll taxes; limited investment in local manufacturing that supports the nation’s Caravan Industry; limited investment in tourism marketing and destination development; and continued policy focus on housing, creating uncertainty around land use and caravan park viability.

“At a time when Victoria should be investing in industries that drive regional growth and domestic tourism, this budget represents a missed opportunity,” added Daniel Sahlberg.

“Our industry contributes billions to the Victorian economy and supports thousands of jobs. We will continue to work constructively with all sides of government to ensure caravan and camping businesses are recognised as a key part of Victoria’s economic future.”

CIV says it will continue to lobby the Australian government and the opposition on issues such as the economic contribution of our industry to support regional Victoria and the broader Australia due to our manufacturing base; the critical role caravan and camping play in the visitor economy; and the need for balanced policy settings across taxation, planning, and tourism investments.

The Association has been and will continue to advocate on its six-step plan that includes:

• Support people travelling, such as incentive-based travel
• Support for existing and local businesses, such as possible subsides
• Support for training & career pathways in the caravan industry
• Standards for building a caravan and selling a caravan
• Roadworthy at change of registration
• Road safety program to educate and identify