VicParks changes name to Caravan & Residential Parks Victoria to strengthen member representation

VicParks, the peak industry body representing more than 80% of Victoria’s tourist and residential park operators, has advised that its name has been changed to Caravan & Residential Parks Victoria to strengthen member representation.

Chief Executive Scott Parker noted “our new name better reflects the growing residential parks sector which is offering affordable home ownership opportunities through land lease communities.

“It also clears up confusion with the statutory authority Parks Victoria and Caravan Industry Victoria which represents caravan manufacturers, retailers and service providers.”

Established in 1964 as the Victorian Caravan Parks Association Incorporated by a group of concerned caravan park owners fighting unfair regulatory change, government advocacy remains a key pillar more than 60 years on.

Parker added “we need to ensure both the government and opposition recognise the importance of this industry to regional economies where over 50% of overnight stays are in caravan parks.

“The importance of tourist and residential parks was confirmed by a BDO Australia report which found that in the financial year 2021, the industry contributed $2.4 billion to Victoria’s Gross State Product and supported more than 17,000 jobs.”

Caravan & Residential Parks Victoria recently strengthened its advocacy power through the appointment of two new senior staff. Rod Hearn is the association’s General Manager, Residential and Gary Anderton is General Manager, Tourism

Parker advised “Rod has joined us with extensive senior experience in the land lease community and broader residential and holiday park sectors and is a significant addition to the team having already developed a comprehensive suite of recommendations for change to make Victoria a more desirable state for land lease development investment.

“Gary comes with a wealth of experience in very senior political advocacy, strategy, research and policy development roles within government and opposition and has made an immediate impact on our capacity to represent tourist park members and the way we engage our members.”