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Australian Gov’t Opens Applications for Caravan Park Upgrade Grant Program

Senator Don Farrell, Australia’s minister for Trade and Tourism, today announced a AU$10-million program for caravan park upgrades. Applications for the grant program opened this morning and will end on December 22.

According to the webpage for the Caravan Parks Grant Program, successful applicants will be awarded grants amounting to somewhere between AU$10,000 and AU$100,000.

Through the merit-based application, a deserving applicant will receive funding for infrastructure upgrades for their park. 

Eligible applicants include privately-owned caravan parks that hold an Australian Business Number (ABN) and qualifying projects include developing new caravan sites or camping sites, adding more powered sites, installing new cabins or renovating existing cabins, building or upgrading recreational facilities, and more.

The Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA) in a press release welcomed the announcement

“Caravan Industry Association of Australia welcomes today’s announcement by the Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator Don Farrell, on $10 million for caravan park upgrades through infrastructure grants,” the association’s release reads.

In the release, CIAA Chief Executive Stuart Lamont said the program recognizes the growing and serious significance of caravanning to the country’s tourism and visitor economy.

Caravan parks continue to be the backbone of the Australian tourism industry with Australians getting out in their millions as they seek genuine and authentic experiences in some of the most amazing locations in the world,” Lamont said.

“We look forward to hearing about some of the amazing shovel-ready projects designed to tap into the strategic objectives of THRIVE 2030,” he added.

Australian caravan parks serve as accommodation options for both tourists and locals, and the program aims to fund improvements to facilities to enhance the visitor experience. 

Other than holding an ABN, to be eligible for the grant, an applicant must also be a legal entity that operates a caravan park with at least 40 powered sites (caravan sites, camping sites, or cabins) for short-term visitor accommodation. Permanent accommodation or long-term sites will not be considered for the number required.

Moreover, the applicant must be solvent, have an account with an Australian financial institution located within Australian territorial boundaries, and hold public liability insurance and other relevant insurance to cover the project.

While application began early today and will continue until next month (December 22), the program will run until June 2024.

The tourism program was announced as part of the Federal Government’s AU$48-million tourism package.

To learn more about the program, such as guidelines and application information, visit www.austrade.gov.au/caravanparks.

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Hi, you might find this article from Modern Campground interesting: Australian Gov’t Opens Applications for Caravan Park Upgrade Grant Program! This is the link: https://moderncampground.com/australia/australian-govt-opens-applications-for-caravan-park-upgrade-grant-program/