The Nomad … news, views, comment, opinion

March 31

Road Awakening
It seems the much talked about upgrading off the Outback Highway is moving a little bit closer. After being accused by the West Australian and Queensland authorities of dragging their heels, the Northern Territory Government now says it is fully committed to the ambitious project.
The plan to upgrade the 2,800-kilometre long series of roads and dirt tracks linking Winton in Queensland to Laverton in Western Australia via Alice Springs has long been on the table … but progress has been slow.
A member of the Outback Highway Development Committee, Liz Martin says the endorsement of the Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australian governments is crucial in enabling a Commonwealth funding submission to go forward.
"It’s one of those things that tends to fly in under the radar when you're looking at Infrastructure Australia and they're looking at projects worth billions and billions of dollars,” she told the ABC. “But this really has billions in economic benefit to outback industry, so for a very small input we can get a lot of output."
Ms Martin says it would cost about $50 million to raise and seal the road, but she says that would be outweighed by the economic advantages it would provide for regional industries.
Following some criticism of its commitment to the project, the NT Government now says is right behind the Commonwealth funding application to make improvements.
“We're looking to work with the other states, Western Australia and Queensland, to ensure that the Outback Highway continues to be the enormous tourism potential that it is," Planning Minister Delia Lawrie said. "We've been increasing the roads funding by millions on the Outback Highway [and] we will continue to be committed to putting additional works into the Outback Highway."
All sounds good … but is the proposed upgrade really a good idea? Certainly there are those diehards who believe that sealing the route will eventually lead to the destruction of a lot of genuine outback areas.  Is it good to make these spots accessible to all grey nomads, whatever their rig, or should the ‘real’ outback remain a “serious adventurers only” zone. Email your thoughts here.

March 27

A Great New Trend
More encouraging signs that councils are getting the message that it is well worth encouraging grey nomad visitors to their cities … and that they are prepared to do something about it.
Following on from yesterday’s ‘Nomad’ report that Maryborough is considering up a free one night’s parking for motorhomers and caravanners, it seems that other Queenslands areas – namely Mackay, Finch
Hatton and Sarina – have earmarked their showgrounds as possible grey nomad accommodation areas.
A report has been submitted to council following an investigation into whether the prime spots can be used to make the region more caravan friendly.
According to the Mackay Daily Mercury, the Councillor for Roads and Infrastructure Kevin Casey had been pushing for the empty space in the showgrounds to be used for travellers. However, he has said they would not become 'gypsy hovels' or regular caravan parks.
Cr Casey says the areas should be used by motorhomes that are fully self-contained, and only needed a place to dump their waste.
“Most showgrounds are able to accommodate that,” Cr Casey said. “But we've got to get off our behinds to find other places where people can park.”
The Daily Mercury says that for showgrounds - including those at Finch Hatton and Sarina - that do not have a useable sewer system, council would consider installing $3000 septic tanks.
The council is clearly to be commended for taking this initiative but, interestingly, their action only followed after feedback from caravan and motorhome travellers who said they considered the area not particularly welcoming to them.
“The feedback from caravan groups have been that Sarina to Mackay is off limits,” said Cllr Casey. “This is the next stage in making Mackay caravan-friendly, so let’s see if we can make it happen.”
This is proof positive that if we make enough noise about our concerns, whatever they may be, then sometimes the powers-that-be may get the message. In these troubling economic times, the grey nomad dollar is becoming an increasingly sought after commodity!
Incidentally, the next report, which will give a decision on whether the regional showgrounds could be used as a motorhome stop is due in June. We’ll keep you posted.

March 26

Everyone's a Winner
Hats off to the far-sighted Fraser Coast councillor who wants to offer free overnight parking for grey nomads.
Gerard O'Connell reckons that if older travellers are given one night free in the Queensland city of Maryborough, it might just encourage them to linger longer.
“Stay your first night - you'll love it so much you'll want to stay,” he said.
Mr O'Connell told the Fraser Coast Chronicle he was aiming to introduce the incentive in time for Maryborough's Pub Crawl this June.
“The Pub Crawl might be the catalyst - why not open the market and attract them?” he said. “The concept is, if we can attract them to come off the highway or on the way to Fraser Island, they will walk down Wharf Street, have lunch at Muddy Waters, get a hair cut, do some banking - all of those things they look for in a small CBD.”
Of course, Mr O'Connell’s innovative plan to help the Heritage City to attract more visitors in a time of economic uncertainty faces the usual smattering of obstacles and opposition. At the centre of it all is the ‘threat’ it poses to holiday parks.
“A few caravan park owners said that I'm taking business but I'm not trying to take their business,” Mr O’Connell said. “The concept of doing this in partnership with tourist parks is a key one. I'm looking for a compromise, not to do them out of business but to create business from people who are not coming to our city at the moment.”
The Fraser Coast Chronicle reports that the council's director of external services is doing a traffic flow survey to assess the best option for parking sites in the CBD.
It really does sound like the classic ‘everybody’s-a-winner idea’. If grey nomads are lured in for a look-see by the promise of a free night’s stay, there is every chance they will stay on to further sample the delights of the Heritage City. That means new customers for the city’s van parks, extra trade for local businesses, and a feel-good ‘we got a good deal’ sensation for us poor travellers. All hail, Gerard O’Connnell … friend of the grey nomads!

March 25

A Forum Milestone
Congratulations! The www.thegreynomads.com.au forum has passed yet another magnificent milestone … just acquiring its 1000th member … and we couldn’t let the occasion go by unnoticed and unheralded.
The fact that so many of you have chosen to join the forum is testament to the quality of the advice that is offered there and the friendliness and humour of the contributors.
A large part of the credit for of the grey nomads website of course goes to our wonderful forumees. Some of you have been with us from nearly the start and your patience with the site when the traffic was not overly high is appreciated. Special thanks to the two ‘forum’ gurus Sir Dave 06 and Lord Basil Faulty and to the many, many senior members, veteran members and regular contributors.
Thanks also to all of you for your suggestions for improving and re-organising the forum and the website. It is much appreciated … as is your patience with us over such aberrations such as the free grey nomad bumper sticker saga. A series of unfortunate events has led to an inexcusable delay in the distribution of said stickers … but they will be coming. Watch this space!
So, onward into the future. We hope that you will continue to enjoy the forum and to help and encourage others to strike out on the Big lap and to make the most of it when they do so. We hope that soon we will be welcoming even more members to the forum but that it will retain its unique character and special camaraderie. Here’s to the next 1000. Keep smiling.

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March 24

Roll Britannia!
The recession in the UK is helping to send the popularity of caravanning and motorhoming over there into the stratosphere.
Visit Britain has described 2009 as a ‘defining moment’, with 4.9 million Britons considering taking a holiday at home instead of overseas … and clearly the caravan industry has a vital part to play in that.
British caravan parks have been experiencing an unprecedented boom with bookings increasing by up to 50 per cent compared to last year. There are currently some 500,000 touring caravans in Britain and 164,000 motorhomes, and some 11.5 million caravanning trips were made in 2007.
Nonetheless, NCC Deputy Director General, Alicia Dunne, says caravanning’s contribution to the great British holiday is often overlooked.
“More than £1.75 billion is spent on caravan holidays each year making it a significant contributor to the economy,” she said. “Especially in rural areas that are often heavily reliant upon tourism.”
Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?
However, despite caravanning’s spiralling popularity in the UK, it remains difficult to get planning permission for new parks – or expansion of existing ones.
Hmmmmm!
Also, reports from the UK suggest that local councils do not always consider caravans and motorhomes in their tourism planning, and fail to do such things as provide adequate parking for these larger vehicles.
Now, that really does sound familiar!

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March 23

Good as Gold
Well, it seems as though all of you gold detectors and fossickers are going to be having a lot more company out there in the fossicking fields in the weeks and months ahead.
It appears that the economic downturn is persuading increasing numbers of people to try their luck at getting lucky with their sieves, shovels and detectors.
This is particularly evident over in the west as traditional mining jobs start to dry up, sparking a mini-gold rush in the Goldfields. According to a report in the West Australian, Iain Wallace is pretty typical of the new ‘49ers. He took up prospecting a few weeks ago after losing his job as a truck driver at the Super Pit. He bought a metal detector and is now hoping that prospecting will provide him with a source of income — perhaps even enough to live off.
“If I could find an ounce a week I’d be lucky,” he told the West Australian. “I know it doesn’t work like that and you might go weeks without finding anything. But if you put the hours in it could pay off. If I could find enough to make a basic wage I’d be happy.”
Similarly, Bevon Simmons took up the hobby about nine months ago after years of working in Kalgoorlie’s gold industry.  
“I had always thought that I must go detecting and then one day I just decided that I was going to,” he said.
He hired a metal detector for three months to make sure he was committed before making the financial outlay — which in his case was more than $7000 for a detector, GPS and other equipment.
And although like most treasure seekers, he plays his cards pretty close to his chest, he must be enjoying some success.
“I should have been doing this 15 years ago,” he said.
And sales of metal detectors are also reported to be strong, fuelled both by new gold hunters buying their first machine and by experienced people wanting to upgrade their equipment to more sensitive machines capable of finding the precious metal at even deeper hiding places.
So, have you fossickers and gold diggers noticed a larger presence out in the fields? And is this a realistic way of supplementing your income in these challenging financial times? Email us here with your experiences.

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March 20

Sunshine state shock
The caravan and tourist industry says jobs and businesses are at risk because of new Queensland environmental fees.
Caravan park owners say new fees to cover having a sewerage treatment plant that discharges waste will hit the industry hard. They say the environmental fee increases of up to 1000% could drive many of them out of business.
Caravan Queensland estimates half of the 400 parks in the state have some type of treatment plant and the organisation's Tony Benson says most parks could be slapped with a bill of up to $29,000.
"It’s one heck of a shock to this industry because no-one saw or heard it coming," he said.
The co-owner of Baffle Bob's Caravan and Camping Ground at Baffle Creek, Nola Offord, told the Gladstone Observer that the fees levied by the State Government's Environmental Protection Agency had skyrocketed from $1,500 to $10,600 without warning.
“Nothing has changed with our business, our relative activity is still the same, yet the fees have jumped incredibly without warning and without any good reason,” Ms Offord said. “I've paid the $1500 and the other $9100 is supposed to be due in June, but I won't be paying it. The next move is up to them. They can come and shut us down but we won't be paying - it's ridiculous.”
Other small private caravan and camping grounds across the region too will also be hit with huge rises.
The Gladstone Observer reports that several paid fees of $500 last year and are yet to receive notification of the new fees, which have been confirmed by EPA officers at $5400.
Defending the changes, Environment Minister Andrew McNamara said it had been 12 years since the last increase in the environmental fees and they were still lower than other states
He said the fees related to the small sewerage systems in use in many caravan parks and camping grounds.
"Small sewerage systems are frequently some of the worst offenders in terms of polluting the environment in and around our cities and towns," he said.
While most of us are in favour of doing all we can to protect the environment, the fee hike does seem extraordinarily high. And there’s no prizes for guessing who’s ultimately going to end up footing the bill!

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March 19

Visit Victoria
Hopefully the cooler weather we have been enjoying spells the end of a nightmare bushfire season.
Roads are now being re-opened to devastated communities like Kinglake near Melbourne and the rebuilding process can begin in earnest. The role that tourism can play in helping to get things back to something like normal in the fire-ravaged areas of Victoria's high country has also been recognised.
The federal and Victorian governments have handed over $10 million to draw tourists back into fire devastated towns. The money will fund marketing and brand programs, improve tourism facilities in parks and help bring forward planned events.
Tourism in areas such as Gippsland, Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges brings in more than $1.6 billion a year.
"There are truly magnificent tourist attractions in these communities,” Victorian Premier John Brum told the Age newspaper. “And we encourage people to join our governments in supporting bushfire-affected communities by spending their tourist dollars in those communities.”
With the bushfires that have blazed for more than a month now under control, Wilsons Promontory will reopen to the public this weekend. While the national park will reopen to day visitors from Saturday it will be another week before campers can return.
Camping and accommodation will be allowed from Friday, March 27, in time for the Easter long weekend.
Happily, the main visitor areas of the park, including Tidal River, Norman Bay and Squeaky Beach, were not affected by the fire. But the Age reports that some of the wilderness areas in the park's northeast will remain closed until they are declared safe and infrastructure, such as walking tracks and toilets, are repaired.
The park has been closed since February 9 after a blaze broke out the day after Black Saturday, scorching more than 25,000 hectares.

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March 18

Worth the wait
It looks like all of you chomping at the bit to enjoy some adventure in the Simpson Desert are going to have to be a little more patient.
The Simpson Desert National Park in south-west Queensland is to remain closed for several more weeks, due to continued flooding in the outback.
The park has been closed over summer because of the danger posed to tourists travelling in the remote region during the hot weather. It had been due to reopen this week but there has been record flooding.
"We won't be able to cross the desert I don't believe until the end of April or mid-May," ranger, Don Rowlands told the ABC. "We've got record floods out in the Georgina - or Eyre Creek as it's known as it passes Birdsville out in the desert ... there's been two rises out in the Georgina at this end and some of those big lakes are full to capacity."

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March 17

Camping Appeals to All
There’s no surprise in new figures showing that Australians are taking fewer overseas trips as the global economic downturn continues to bite … but we will have to wait to see what long-term impact that has at caravan parks and camping sites.
The most recent overseas arrivals and departures statistics show that departures by Australians dropped 2% in January 2009 compared to a year ago. According to Olivia Wirth, the Executive Director of peak industry group, the Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF), Australians are increasingly shying away from long-haul destinations like the UK and the USA in favour of travel closer to home.
“We are seeing a fundamental change in tourism behaviour,” Ms Wirth said. “Household budgets are being tightened and travellers are looking for more cost-effective options near at hand.”
Indeed, she said departures to the UK and the USA were down 6.2 per cent and 15.6 per cent respectively in January 2009 compared with the same month last year.
“Given the economic circumstances, this pattern should also result in an increase in Australians travelling at home,” Ms Wirth said.
Certainly, there is evidence that many caravan parks have reported an increase in bookings and visitor numbers. But it is not the grey nomad phenomenon that is necessarily behind the camping surge. These may be short-term holidaymakers whose tightening budget is forcing them to re-discover their love affair with the caravanning or motorhoming holiday. Many have not camped since they were kids and are now taking their own children on the road for the first time. If there is a bright side to the economic crisis then it may be that financial hardship is virtually compelling another generation of Australians to discover the magic of their own country. Our youth policy then could be said to be paying handsome dividends as the Grey Nomad ‘juniors’ division falls in love with our lifestyle. Remember, all those 30-year-olds and 40-year-olds camping just down the way from you are the future of grey nomad movement. Think of them as the grey nomad apprentices and yourselves as the masters!
Have you noticed an increase in the number of ‘younger’ travellers camping? Is it a good thing or a bad thing? Email us here with your thoughts.

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March 16

Environmental carnage
The television images of oil washing up on Queensland’s magnificent beaches are sickening ones. For those of you who are currently in that part of the world, and seeing the environmental tragedy unfold first-hand it must be even more shocking.
We are now being told that the spill from oil the Pacific Adventurer is 10 times worse than originally feared with 230 tonnes of oil, not 20-30 tonnes as initially reported, being dumped into the sea.
Apart from the oil damage, experts fear the fertiliser that also spilled could cause harmful algal blooms, suffocate fish and kill natural habitats. The resulting toxic sludge is also thought to be carcinogenic and is threatening wildlife.
Dozens of beaches along a 60-kilometre stretch on the Sunshine Coast have already been declared disaster zones, and a significant amount of oil has washed up along a 20 kilometre stretch on the eastern side of Moreton Island, extending 20 kilometres south from Cape Moreton, and along the foreshore on Moreton Island’s northern side. Maritime Safety Queensland has also reported oil on Bribie Island’s eastern side, and Sunshine Coast beaches, including 10 kilometres from Point Cartwright south to Kawana.
It is enough to make you want to sit down and cry.
Rescue crews and wildlife experts are working around the clock to try to repair the damage but it’s a massive task. Floating barriers are being installed in the Mooloolah and Maroochy Rivers to reduce the risk of oil in the waterways.
The State Government has also pledged to pull out all the stops to assist Sunshine Coast and Moreton Bay tourism industries impacted by the oil spill.
Those impacts include:
• The temporary closure of selected Sunshine Coast beaches.
• 4WD access to Moreton Island has been closed until tonight and no new camping permits being issued by the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Beaches on the ocean side of Moreton Island and Ocean Beach on Bribie Island being closed to all campers and vehicles until further notice.
However, all beaches north of Peregian including Noosa, Fraser Island, Hervey Bay and other parts of the Fraser Coast are unaffected by the spillage, as are North and South Stradbroke Islands and all Gold Coast beaches.
“Preparations are ongoing to restore all beach areas as soon as possible but there is no denying that this is a tragedy for the affected regions, and coming straight after Cyclone Hamish is a double whammy for the local tourism industry,” said. Tourism Minister Desley Boyle. “We would like to assure anyone planning a trip to the Sunshine Coast or Moreton Bay during coming days and weeks that we are doing everything possible to return our beautiful beaches to normal as quickly as possible.”
How normal things can ever be again after so much oil has been dumped into the ocean is really anyone’s guess. One suspects the impacts of the damage caused will be felt a lot longer than the time it takes to remove the visible evidence of the disaster from our baches.While the sand may soon be golden once againe the eco-system will doubtless struggle to cope with the shock for years to come.
It’s a reminder once again of the impact mankind can have on the wonderful world in which we live. We can all play our part in protecting the countryside and wildlife we love so much by dumping our toilet waste responsiblty, not using harmfuls soaps and shampoos in waterways and disposing of rubbish properly.
Grey nomads have a reputation for thoughtful and responsible travelling but it would be foolish to think we are perfect.

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March 13

Riding out the Recession
Wow! What a great response we had to our story earlier this week about the financial crisis and its effect on the grey nomad lifestyle.
As usual, there was a broad range of opinion … as there generally is on most issues raised in these columns. Looking at the overall picture, there can be little doubt that grey nomad budgets are getting ever tighter … but there’s still an awful lot of determination out there to keep on truckin’.
Debbie from North Queensland says the recession (if that’s what it is yet) may even help her to set off on the Big Lap earlier than initially planned.
“We are just waiting to see what happens,” she writes. “My husband may lose his job so one of our options then would be to hit the road as there will be no jobs in this area … good excuse to see Australia!”
It’s great to see people like Debbie taking a positive attitude to what will certainly be a difficult time for many people. Certainly, we sometimes have to make the best of the cards we are dealt.
While Debbie may be enjoying the beauty of Australia sooner than initially planned, Rick is in the opposite boat.
“Our plan was to rent out the house and hit the road, then the ‘Big R’ arrived,” he writes. “We are still renting the house out but we are now parked in our daughter's back yard, because her husband has dropped to half his wage and they are finding it a bit hard meeting payments on the new house.”
Rick and his wife have both stayed in work and are helping out paying ‘board’ and babysitting while their daughter and son-in-law both work at extra jobs.
Stories like that bring home just how hard this downturn is biting and how many hard-working people are all ready being severely affected. Again though, the attitude to changing circumstances is important. Rick certainly isn’t letting events get to him.
“We will still head off on the big drive,” he writes. “But just a little later than planned!”
Great attitude, Rick. And we look forward to seeing you out there in the wide blue yonder before too long.
And then of course we heard form a number of people who say the ‘economic turmoil’ has pretty much passed them by so far.
“The financial crisis has not affected our travel plans in the least,” writes John. “We have always travelled on the married age pension and will continue to do so until either the novelty wears off or we become too old and decrepit to travel.”
John and his wife initially bought a second-hand caravan whilst on the pension and have managed to do half the country to date. They travel in a 15 foot 1984 Jayco Songbird poptop which has a solar set-up to allow them to free camp.
“We leave for another trip around the block in June and will be on the road as long as we feel like it, barring any unforseen mishaps,” writes John. “What financial crisis?”
Another mixed mail bag but all interesting stuff. Thanks to all of you who took the time and trouble to email us. Please keep the emails on this and all other subjects coming. We really appreciate your input and plan to introduce a regular ‘feedback’ column soon where some of your email views can be shared with others.

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March 12

Larry the legend
Okay, all of you veterans of the road out there. Can any of you match the motorhome marathon of this US version of a grey nomad?
Former lawyer Larry Hoffman bought his Ford diesel motorhome, complete with queen-size bed, back in 2001 with the intention of spending a few months touring America and Europe. Eight years on, he has driven the vehicle hundreds of thousands of kilometres, had it freighted across the world’s oceans, and enjoyed countless adventures .
The 70-year-old started by driving across the US, then freighted his vehicle to the UK and spent 18 months criss-crossing his way through Europe.
It is safe to say that he then had the bug in a serious way. He went back to the US, closed down his legal practice and spent a year driving through South America. His taste for adventure whetted, Larry returned to Europe, drove to Libya, cruised down the Nile in Egypt. And then drove through China to Mongolia before crossing Siberia westwards to return to Germany.
He then shipped his motorhome to Tahiti and went to New Zealand, good old Australia and Polynesia. The next leg for Mr Hoffman took in Singapore, then Iran and Yemen.
He and his motorhome had a close call with pirates when they were on a freighter near Somalia, just before the Saudi tanker, Sirius Star, was hijacked.
“As the freighter approached Somalia, two powerboats approached and were circling us but the US Navy intervened,” he told the media.
From North Africa, Mr Hoffman drove through the north of Saudi Arabia to Bahrain, Qatar then Oman and the UAE and is now en route to Saudi Arabia.
“From there I really don’t know where I’ll go or how long I will stay,” Larry says.
He rarely drives more than five hours a day and keeps his speed down to 70-90 kph.
“I have no itinerary and am in no hurry to get anywhere,” he says. “I take time to smell the roses. I will keep on touring the world, visiting places I have never been to until either I or the motorhome break down.”
And that, should be the motto of grey nomads the world over. Good on yer, Larry!
Incidentally, have any of you out there felt the urge to do the grey nomad thing in other parts of the world? Email us here to tell us of your caravan or motorhome adventures overseas … or tell us why you have never felt the need to hit the road anywhere else but in this magical southern land.

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March 11

Downsizing but not Out
Depending on who you are talking to, we are either in recession or about to enter a recession. It’s a worrying time for everyone - but what effect is the financial crisis having on the grey nomad lifestyle in particular and the caravan world in general?
Mixed messages are emerging. The evidence of our own eyes would suggest that caravan parks are as busy – if not busier - than ever, and commonsense would suggest that people of a certain age would not want to delay their trip of a lifetime any longer than they have to. Nonetheless, there is no doubt that some would-be grey nomads are taking a long hard look at their financial situation and deciding not to take the plunge.
The owner of A1 Caravans in Midlands, WA, Michael Flavel says people who have seen their superannuation funds fall in value are continuing to purchase caravans but are downsizing their dreams, thereby helping to fuel a rise in second-hand and smaller caravan sales at the expense of premium models.
He say while there has been an increase in parents buying cheap vans to park in their backyards to house their adult children, the staple customer base has remained the same.
“Grey nomads are still buying, “ he told the West Australian. “But people that were looking to buy the bigger $70,000 vans are now looking at $50,000 vans ... I personally don’t think there is a downturn and from our point of view our order book is filled until May.”
Mr Flavel said he was optimistic the upward trend would continue for his business.
“A lot of people that are retired won’t be waiting for the market to turn because they think they will be too old to go when it does,” he said. “They are buying now and will continue to buy. The grey nomads will still get their caravans and go off.”
Meanwhile, another major Perth caravan and motor home showroom, that declined to be named, said business was the quietest in more than a decade and the showroom was only just keeping its head above water.
“A lot of our buyers are retirees relying on their superannuation funds,” a spokesperson told the West Australian. “Right now manufacturing is down about 60 per cent. If they are not manufacturing then they are not getting the sales through. Some manufacturers are already in liquidation.”
Indeed, two premium caravan builders Boroma and Roadstar have reportedly closed their doors in recent months.
While no one is certain how the financial crisis will play out in the coming months and tears, one thing I certain … this country is as beautiful, as friendly and as exciting as ever. And it’s important to remember that the grey nomad lifestyle is one that can be enjoyed on a relatively modest budget.
How has the financial crisis affected your plans? Email us here to share your experiences.

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March 10

Nagging hell v saving cash
Help could soon be at hand in our contstant battle to keep fuel costs down and the on-road budget on track.
Audi has developed new technology that could help us reduce fuel consumption by up to 15 per cent … and it’s all about educating us, the driver.
The technology, which will bein place in Australia early next year, will monitor driver behaviour and offer advice to cut fuel use. According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald, it will offer tips on the best gear to be in, not putting your foot on the clutch too early, and not using the accelerator when starting the car. The car also alerts the driver to how much air-conditioning and window demisters add to fuel consumption.
Each of the driving misdemeanours may only save fractions of a litre of fuel, but together they could lead to substantial savings … particularly if you are driving a large rig on an endless jourmney around and around the country.
To begin with though the technology will only be available on the most efficient Audi models, the first of which will go on sale here next year, but it can be adapted to any vehicle.
Audi, it seems though has already acknowledged there could be one slight flaw in their cunning plan … it may drive drivers nuts.
”It's a very new technology and we’re not sure how the customers will react,” Audi technical development engineer, Thomas Kamla, told the SMH. “We are not trying to be schoolmasters. It gives you hints and tips about your driving style, so it could be a bit dangerous [in how some people accept such advice] … if this experiment is successful we'll bring it to market with all cars.”
It sounds interesting and I’m a big fan of any innovation that can save a few bucks … but I must say that on one of those big outback driving days I’m a little worried that being nagged by a computer about my bad driving might just send me over the edge. I just hope the technology comes with an off button!

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March 9

Not in my backyard
One hundred homeowners in the rural district of Highfields north of Toowoomba have been protesting against a planned caravan park.
According to a report in the Toowoomba Chronicle, residents are horrified that nine caravans, six cabins, two homes, an information centre and a swimming pool could be crammed onto a 6100 square-metre block in their leafy neighbourhood.
Their concerns about increased traffic and noise were put to councillors Peter Marks and Bill Cahill at the weekend gathering - organised with just one day’s notice. About 300 people have signed a petition against the development on a Kuhls Road lot once owned by philanthropist Stan Kuhl.
The site adjoins Peacehaven Botanical Park, a 4.7 hectare slice of land donated to the community by the dairy farmer in 2004.
Mother of two, Chris Tonscheck, is angry that caravans could set up just three metres from her fence line (the council usually requires a six-metre buffer).
Fellow opponent Jean Spanjol said the park, which could attract more than 35 people at any one time, should be located on the highway.
"It’s going to disturb the peace people come to Highfields for," she told the newspaper. "This meeting was organised at the last minute by word of mouth. Imagine what we could have done if we advertised."
Kuhls Road resident Malcolm Ryley agreed the character of the neighbourhood, made up of acreages, was under threat. The council requires caravan parks are a minimum of four hectares. The block in question is 0.6ha.
"We’re concerned it’s going to affect the prices of our properties," he said.
Developer Brian Carroll argues in his application to the council that the caravan park would be an appealing "tourist attraction".
The application says landscaping will ease the impact of more than 35 people inhabiting the block. It also predicts the business will attract visitors to Peacehaven Park, while having little impact on the road which already carries up to 240 vehicles an hour.
Tricky one. The need for more caravan parks and the need to respect communities where they may be located can be a very difficult balancing act.

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March 6

signposted as off limits.
The Tweed Daily News reports that although the warning signs say campers face up to $550 in fines, caravans, motor homes and even tents can be found on the site on any given day.
The general manager of Big4 Tweed Billabong Holiday Park, Andrew Tribe, reportedly wrote to the council about the illegal camping last year.
“As a private operator subject to all the taxes, rates, council fees and other compliance costs, it is frustrating to see this take place seemingly unopposed by council,” Mr Tribe's letter said.
In response, council's general manager Mike Rayner told the newspaper that while he agreed the illegal camping was a problem, council could only issue warnings or fines, or erect signs.
“You will appreciate the many other demands on rangers' time means they cannot be constantly policing the numerous camping site possibilities throughout the shire,” Mr Rayner said.
Perhaps surprisingly, another local caravan park operator, - Jenny Lindberg, manager of the River Retreat Caravan Park in Tweed Heads South - expressed some sympathy with the illegal campers, saying there was a shortage of free overnight camping sites in Tweed.
“I think they should be able to (camp there) as long as it's on an overnight basis and not for days at a time,” Ms Lindberg told the Tweed Daily News. “And people spend their money in the town in other ways, going to clubs or restaurants, so it all evens out.”
She said it was better to have a designated camping spot, than having people parking up in all sorts of places.
It sounds like the voice of reason to me. Of course, caravan parks need to make a living but there has to be an acknowledgement that if current free camping options are removed or further restricted some long-term travellers simply won’t be able to afford to stay on the road … and there are many, many communities that would be left counting the cost.

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March 5

Do we agree?
It would be interesting to hear from any of you who have stayed at the Lane Cove River Tourist Park near Sydney recently.
Situated in the native bushland of the Lane Cove National Park a mere 10 kilometres from the New South Wales capital, the eco-friendly tourist park has been hailed by all and sundry as a symbol of what can be achieved. It has just added the 2008 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards national award for Tourist and Caravan Parks to its large collection of gongs.
So, what’s so special aboutthe place, and do those of you who have stayed there share the enthusiasm of the powers-that-be?
It features 28 fully serviced eco-cabins and over 300 caravan, campervan and tent sites set in pristine bush, and it accommodates more than 150,000 visitors every year.
The park is actually part of the Lane Cove National Park and is operated by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NSW) with the stated intent of developing a harmonious mix of business and environment.
“We have created one of the country’s leading low cost ecotourism destinations,” says manager Andrew Daff. “It’s a carefully thought-out business strategy, and one that’s certainly paying dividends in many ways … we are proof that you can have a successful, profitable business and reduce your carbon footprint.”
Mr Daff says an eight-point sustainability plan is being implemented. It encompasses:

• Community and business education
• Carbon reduction and eradication of carbon footprint
• Water management;
• Habitat creation and biodiversity;   
• Recycle, reuse and waste minimise;
• Pest and weed abatement and management;
• Investment in people;
• Sustainable eco-tourism.

“Not only are we making our mark on a state and national level, we are also making strong inroads into the global market,” Mr Daff says. “Both in terms of international visitors to the park and our recognition by a number of prestigious international awards.”
It sounds great, and the tourism industry bigwigs are certainly massive converts. So, what’s the view from a grey nomad perspective? Is Lane Cove the perfect base from which to explore our nation’s biggest city and nearby beauty spots? Does it offer value for money? Email us here to share your views.

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March 4

So you think you can park?
It would be nice if we could claim some credit for the new parking arrangements soon to be unveiled in the Queensland town of Warwick … but we suspect it’s just a happy coincidence.
Late last month we reported on the lack of decent parking facilities for caravans and motorhomes in the inland New South Wales town of Mudgee in particular ... and the rest of the country in general.
We said it was a sad fact that the number of ‘long vehicle’ suitable parking spots being made available in our towns and cities had not nearly kept pace with the growing number of grey nomads hitting the road.
Well, the good folks at Southern Downs Regional Council are at least making a bit of an effort. An extra 58 parks will soon be available in Warwick as the Acacia Avenue car park project nears completion. And … get this. A council spokesperson specifically said that grey nomads had not been forgotten in the planning.
“Special allowance has been made for long vehicles like buses and caravans,” she said. “And the project will be generally completed this week, with just a few bits of tidy-up next week.”
Yeehaiii! See you in Warwick.
The Warwick Daily News reports that the car park will also include line marking and lighting to make the area more secure. How good is that?
And that’s all it takes. A little bit of thought and a little bit of planning. And it shows that somebody is thinking of us.
Drop us a line here if you’re in Warwick any time soon to let us know if the new long parking bays pass muster.

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March 3

Dawn's licence let-off
Well, the red-faced face of the grey nomads, Dawn Fraser, is said to be embarrassed but relieved after a second New South Wales magistrate let her off without a conviction for Winnebago-related driving offences last year.
You may remember we reported a week or two back that the 71-year-old swimming icon faced fines of $8800 for motoring offences committed while taking part in the Winnebago and NRMA Fuel Safe Economy Drive between Queensland and Victoria.
She failed to stop at RTAchecking stations at 12 Mile Creek on the Pacific Highway and at Mount White on the F3 Freeway last July 29.
She received two separate sets of the charges of failing to stop at a checking station and driving while not licensed (inappropriate class of licence) and entered guilty pleas to the four charges during separate court appearances at Kurri Kurri and then Gosford.
"I've learnt my lesson," Fraser, of Balmain, told the Newcastle Herald outside Gosford Local Court after the case. "From now on I check that I've got the right licence before I drive anything."
Gosford magistrate Alan Railton accepted Fraser's explanation she was not aware the 8.5-tonne Longreach Winnebago, which had been lent to her by Winnebago, required a medium rigid licence and was subject to RTA Safe-T-Cam checks. Fraser has a light rigid licence to drive her own Winnebago.
Mr Railton ordered that no conviction be recorded and waived court costs. Traffic records tendered to Gosford Local Court showed the four times Olympic gold medal winner has lost her licence twice in the past three years for low speed camera-detected offences.
Well, they always said that becoming a grey nomad was a great leveller.

***

March 2

The great grog debate
Delegates at a tourism conference in the Northern Territory have called for the alcohol restrictions in place in some districts to be adjusted.
They told Tourism Minister Chris Burns that g rog curbs were hindering business and a better balance between alcohol laws and the wishes of the tourism industry had to be found. Alice Springs Mayor Damien Ryan told the Tourism Central Australia meeting that it was becoming a big issue. He said Alice Springs needed to be able to combine responsible liquor supply with tourism friendly policies.
The Centralian Advocate newspaper reported Chamber of Commerce executive officer Kay Eade as saying alcohol restrictions were hindering businesses.
“We're not making the money that people in other towns are making,” she said. “Quite often you go into Woolies and the poor old grey nomads are trying to buy their port for the next 500 kilometres and they're not allowed to buy any.”
For his part, Mr Burns outlined a government strategy that caters to a new type of traveller -“experiential” travellers - people looking for real engagement with indigenous people and culture”.
It’s obviously a very difficult and a very sensitive issue. But what do you think? Have you been adversely affected by the restrictions? Is it an occasional inconvenience that we should be able to plan ahead for and work around? Do you understand the reasons behind the curbs? Do you think the authorities have got the balance right? Email us here.

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February 27

Good, bad or just ugly?
Okay, here’s an interesting one. A proposed caravan park at the small town of Plainland, west of Brisbane, has been greeted with hostility from local residents who fear it could lead to an increase in crime.
The caravan park, if approved, will have 20 motorhome sites, a caretaker's residence, an amenities building and a large dam with boundaries backing directly on to a Faith Lutheran College.
According to the Queensland Times, residents at a recent public meeting said they feared the development would bring paedophiles and drugs to the area, and was too close to the college.
Now, I can understand people living in a rural area – or in any area for that matter – not necessarily wanting a caravan park or any development on their doorstep but are caravan parks really crimewaves waiting to happen?
Betty and Martin Brennan attended the meeting and were angered a caravan park would even be considered appropriate for the rural area.
“We only bought this house about 10 months ago for the views and because it is a rural and residential area and now this happens,” Mrs Brennan told the Queensland Times. “We haven't been in the area for long but we don't want to see crime increase and, if council approve it, it will devalue our properties.”
Certainly, as the economic crisis deepens it is likely that more people will be forced to live in caravan parks. And it would be foolish to deny that there are some social issues at caravan parks, particularly where there is a high percentage of permanent residents.
But is it fair to automatically equate all caravan parks to dens of iniquity? Is it fair to portray caravan parks where the very best of human co-operation, camaraderie and geniality are commonly on display as ‘bad’ places?
I fully sympathise with anybody who feels their quality of life - and their house value - is threatened by a new development, and I am in no position to judge the merits of this particular proposal but I do know that a well-run tourist park certainly doesn’t mean drugs and paedophiles.
More than 70 residents attended the public meeting in Plainland and they were unanimously against the development.
Fair enough. Other issues they raised were wildlife destruction and the fact that there were already caravan parks at nearby Laidley, Gatton and Lowood, so another one wasn’t needed.
Maybe they’re right. I just don’t know. But we’ll keep you posted on developments there.
So, do you think caravan parks are often ‘bad’ places? What are the worst problems you have encountered in one? How would those of you who still have permanent addresses feel if a caravan park was to be developed on your doorstep? Email us here with your thoughts.

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February 26

Everybody's doing it!
It’s always interesting to sea what our friends overseas are up to and it seems they’re basically doing what we’re doing … hitting the road in record numbers.
Indeed, the statistics show that more Brits will take a caravan holiday this year than will take the traditional short jaunt to Spain!
The British Caravan Club says advance bookings for 2009 are up 40 per cent on last year. And that increased demand could translate in more than 2 million extra caravan holidays being taken in Britain this year, with a final tally approaching nearly 13.9 million.
"There is widespread evidence that existing caravan owners are using their caravans more," National Caravan Council (NCC) director-general John Lally says. “Caravans appeal to holidaymakers as they allow people to control costs, and are increasingly seen as green options.”
The Camping and Caravanning Club has also just announced that it is to install wireless broadband (WiFi) at 91 of its sites in the UK by April, arguing that, in this day and age, most individuals prefer the option of internet access, even when they are on holiday.
"Caravans, motorhomes and caravan holiday homes have changed beyond recognition in the last decade,” says Mr Lally. “Many parks can compete with the best, boasting extensive leisure facilities and high levels of service.”
According to the NCC, an estimated 500,000 caravans are in regular use, out of a total of 1.5m caravanners, motorhomers and camper trailer users in the UK.
The rising popularity of caravanning could even create more than 1,000 new jobs in British van parks, mainly in coastal areas, as additional staff are taken on to cope with demand.
According to The Caravan Club, its members generated £183million last year into rural tourism economies when shopping, eating out, buying local produce and visiting local attractions.
Blimey! It seems that whether you’re in the UK or Australia, the economic crisis would be an awful lot worse for an awful lot of people if it wasn’t for us grey nomads doing our bit!
Have you tried a caravanning/motorhoming advneturein the UK. Email us here to tell us how it compares.

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February 25

Paradise Found Again?
A couple of weeks ago, we reported that development plans at the site of the old Agnes Water Caravan Park in Queensland were stalled.
Local businessmen claimed that the park’s closure more than four years ago had cost the seaside town up to $5 million and that on the spot where the $300 million Sansara Resort was supposed to be … there was precisely nothing. Well, it seems that the developer’s dreams have well and truly run aground. The Sansara site, which has a development application with Gladstone Regional Council for a luxury resort of 103 villas, bungalows and apartments and a retail parade, has been placed on the market. Although work on the resort was expected to begin in December 2007 and the entire caravan park infrastructure was removed in preparation for construction by Newtown Developments, nothing happened.
The tragedy is that 50,000 people used to stay at the wonderful caravan park each year. That’s a lot of memories and a lot of happiness that has been lost for absolutely no gain to anybody.
The Gladstone Observer reports selling agent Andrew Jackson as saying there had already been a lot of interest in the Sansara site, including from buyers in the southern states.
Mr Jackson said this time the property was likely to attract interest as a site for a new development … possibly even as a caravan park!
Now, wouldn’t that be a wonderful irony. Keep your fingers, toes and elbows crossed. It is a truly magical spot.

***

February 24

What's in a name?
Well, perhaps it’s time to find out what grey nomads really feel about being called … well … er … grey nomads! While discussing the results of new research from Tourism NSW about over-55 travellers, Tourism Minister Jodi McKay repeated the oft-quoted adage that grey nomads actively dislike being called … er … grey nomads. “The research shows that many among this age group, and particularly the baby boomers, actually resent stereotypes such as the‘grey nomads’ and being treated as if they were old and infirm,” says Ms McKay. “While there are many holiday makers still looking for home comforts, more than half the over 55s tourism demographic looks for stimulation, freedom and adventure from their travel experience."
Freedom and adventure … sounds good to me, Jodi.
But does the term grey nomad really conjur up images of age and infirmity as she suggests? Or does it summon up images, as I had always thought, of the longed-for adventure and freedom?
Over to you. Share your thoughts on being called a grey nomad by emailing us here.
Incidentally, that Tourism NSW research confirmed that older travellers are demanding more excitement and variety from their travel experience
It revealed that a new breed of fitter, healthier, more active mature travellers are changing the way the tourism industry caters for people in that age group.
“Growth in travel spending by the over 55s has been higher historically than other age groups, but it’s clear current tough economic conditions are impacting on demand here, and elsewhere,” Ms McKay said. “The tourism industry needs to adapt products and services to remain competitive, and to position itself effectively during the current global financial crisis.”
Sounds mighty complicated. I just hope it means they are going to leave all of our natural beauty spots as natural and as beautiful as they already are, and that they aren't going to close any more coastal van parks and camping areas. I wouldn't bet on it, though.

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February 23

Parking squeeze
The debate raging in the New South Wales town of Mudgee about a new tourist information centre – and decent parking for caravans and motorhomes – has highlighted a growing issue in many Australian towns and cities.
While the number of grey nomads on the road has been steadily rising in recent years, the number of ‘long vehicle’ suitable parking spots hasn’t been. It’s amazing just how difficult it can sometimes be to pull up for a few minutes to have a stroll through a town, or to buy some supplies at the local supermarket, and even – incredibly – to stop at the local visitor information centre to get to grips with a new area.
The Mudgee Regional Council is currently divided on whether to a include a new tourist office in the central western town’s $7 million Cudgegong Southbank project.
Mayor Percy Thompson told a recent council meeting he thought Mudgee’s “little pokey” tourism office was one of the worst ones he’d been in, largely due to a lack of parking for grey nomads and their motorhomes and caravans.
But there were plenty of councillors who argued that the existing office wasn’t broken, so there was no need to fix it … and spend extra funds doing so.
It’s clearly a dilemma for cash-strapped councils in these difficult economic times but it does seem a strange world when the very people who need the services provided by tourist information centres are the only ones who can’t park there!
Do you struggle to find a casual parking spot for your rig while on the road? Which towns are the worst offenders? What can be done? Email us here to have your say.

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February 20

Free to leave town
It seems like all the talk of economic gloom – not to mention the falling value of superannuation – is bringing the whole the free camping issue more and more to the forefront.
An increasing number of grey nomads are relying on free camping as a way of taking the pressure off their budgets. But, on the other side of the coin, caravan parks are naturally applying as much pressure as they possibly can to ensure that local authorities restrict free camping near towns … and drive more custom their way. It’s a difficult balancing act however as many caravanners and motorhomers may choose to bypass non-free-camping-friendly towns altogether, taking their grey dollars with them.
The latest place to find its free camping policies coming under the spotlight is Albury in New South Wales. Grey nomad Barry Smith has blasted the area for its “unfriendliness” after he was told to stop camping close to the town.
And he told the The Border Mail , Albury had better “wake up to itself” if it wants to draw more people into the area.
He was angry that he had been kicked out of Noreuil Park after five days of camping there in his van and he complained there was no free camping anywhere nearby
Albury’s closest free camping area is at Yackandandah, some 30 kilometres away across the border in Victoria.
“I’ve been visiting Albury for three years now but I was told I was not welcome at Mungabareena Reserve and was also warned away from Waterview Road (off the Riverina Highway near the Wonga Wetlands),” he told the newspaper. “A ranger came banging on my door at eight in the morning, full of bad temper and demanding I leave before 10am or he’d book me. There was two other campervans there and we all agreed that he was rude, arrogant and had no finesse whatsoever.”
Mr Smith said he had not seen any signs stating the area was a no-camping zone.
And he said Albury would be wrong not to provide more free space for passing tourists, warning the current approach could cost the town.
“I’ve spent $1000 on a new generator and more money on groceries, new clothes and shoes since I’ve been here,” he said. “But grey nomads will just start bypassing the place.”
Albury director of planning and economic development Michael Keys said council did not want to discourage people from camping in the city, just not on public land.
“(We’ve) received complaints from both residents and at the recent South Albury Forum in regards to illegal campers being located along the river, specifically Noreuil Park and Mungabareena Reserve,” he said.
So, in Albury, as in many towns before it, the battle lines have been drawn. What do you think? Do you bypass towns where free camping is discouraged? Is there enough free camping available? Email us here to share your views.

* * *

February 19

Pale shade of green
It seems that the green credentials of our caravan parks are increasingly coming under the spotlight.
Down in Warrnambool in Victoria, a popular foreshore camping park has just been given a blast by local politicians for its lack of environmental initiatives.
The Shipwreck Bay park still has old-fashioned showerheads and no recycling bins.
Councillor Jennifer Lowe said she was surprised and concerned there were no water-saving showerheads there.
"A lot of water is being wasted," she said of the council-operated park. "And the showers are not timed. A lot of recyclables are going into waste. That's deplorable."
And councillor Cr Peter Hulin said it "beggars belief" that the park didn't have a better recycling system.
Apparently, the council has received a number of letters about the same two issues.
At a time when the tourism industry’s future is looking increasingly green, it does seem quite amazing that even the most basic environmental friendly steps aren’t being taken by all parks.
Nonetheless, I suspect that the Warrnambool park isn’t the only – or the worst offender. Email editorial@thegreynomads.com.au with stories of your non-green camping encounters.

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February 18

Wild weather rules
Mother Nature is certainly not being kind at the moment. On top of the bushfire tragedy in Victoria caused in part by extreme weather conditions, we have seen severe flooding in Queensland and now New South Wales is copping a drenching.
High water has isolated about 5,000 people in towns, villages and farms across the state's north. In the town of Bellingen, west of Coffs Harbour, homes and businesses were evacuated as the Bellinger River burst its banks. The town received about 300 millimetres of rain in a 48-hour period. More wet stuff is expected over the coming days.
And south of Coffs Harbour, t he SES evacuated 24 people from the Repton Riverside Tourist Park, on the banks of the Bellinger River, due to flood fears.
"We'll be making sure that we have sufficient helicopters as well as volunteers and flood boats in that region to answer any requests for emergency evacuation," said Chief Inspector Shane Cribb.
And over in Western Australia, all roads in the Millstream-Chichester National Park and all gravel roads in the Karijini National Park.h ave been closed following heavy rain there.
The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) said falls of up to 250mm caused widespread flooding in creeks and rivers in the Pilbara region.
Severe flooding in rivers and creeks at Millstream had resulted and water levels were set to rise in the next few days as heavy rain is forecast to continue.
At Karijini, the park was closed with gorges at risk of flash flooding and landslides.
Travellers should not drive into water of unknown depth or velocity, the DEC warned.
All in all, it’s really not great grey nomadding weather but the suffering and misery caused to others by nature’s fury should put it all into some sort of context for us ... and we should all appreciate just how lucky we are.

* * *

February 17

Birdlife boom time
It’s that time of the year again in the Centre when the cooler weather following on from the wet season rains has turned outback areas into a green wonderland.
And that’s just the way the army of grey nomad birdwatchers like it.
According to local media reports, nomadic birds such as rare honeyeaters and budgies are now scouring the desert country looking for the best conditions following recent summer rains.
And resident birds, including the Western bowerbirds and Spinifex pigeons, are also enjoying a bumper season..
"The cooler and wetter weather has caused the vegetation growth and insect populations to boom and attract birds from all over Australia's vast arid zone," ranger Mark Carter told the Fairfax press. "The population of Rufous songlarks have exploded and, while they may look unremarkable, their rolling melody of sweet notes mixed with metallic bleeps and burbles sound sensational."
Sounds good.
Mr Carter singles out sites close to Alice Springs, including the Alice Springs Telegraph Station, Simpsons Gap, Emilie and Jessie Gaps.
"Birds are our noisiest and most easily spotted form of wildlife in the Red Centre but people often overlook them," Mr Carter said. "It doesn't matter whether you are a veteran birdwatcher or a novice, everyone can get a buzz out of birdwatching all you need are binoculars and a good identification guide."
Of course, normal comonsense rules apply and would-be birdspotters are warned not to go out without plenty of water. And they should stay out of the heat of the day as much as possible. Happily, the best time to watch birds is dawn and dusk, which are also the coolest and most comfortable times of the day for people.

* * *

February 16

It's a rich man's world
There’s anger growing in the west about council plans to upgrade/develop a popular caravan park.
The Augusta-Margaret River Shire has come under serious fire for its $8 million proposal involving a three-phase development of 29 privately owned holiday homes, up to 60 chalets for sale as time share facilities, and cabins, at the Turner Caravan Park.
Some 200 people gathered on the foreshore recently seeking ways to protect the park from what they see as a pointless and expensive project.
T he Augusta Margaret River Mail said an 800-signature petition to protect the park had been collected, and it described the meeting as ‘tense’.
A number of councillors listened as campers and residents expressed concerns on the size of the proposed chalets, their location, potential environmental risk and finance issues.
Some protested that the proposed chalets would be too expensive for families.
But the councillors defended the shire-funded proposal.
“This feasibility study is not taking away the caravan park, it’s enhancing the park …it’s underutilised,” Cr Ray Colyer told the Augusta Margaret River Mail. But he agreed people felt disenfranchised, and Cr Colyer said he would take concerns on board.
“It’s not set in stone,” he said, arguing that that many people were catered for in the park, and the chalets would be good for whale watching visitors who came in the winter months.
Whatever, Ray!
I mean, with its location on the Blackwood River, and being an easy walk to both beautiful beaches and Augusta Town Centre, it’s got to be way too good a spot for budget holidaymakers like grey nomads and holidaying families! It’s only another part of our heritage, another part of our history. It makes sense to use such a wonderful place to build something premium and then charge the maximum dollars you possibly can. Money, money, money. After all, that’s what life is all about, isn’t it?
Or is it?

* * *

February 13

Counting the cost
Well, it seems that sometimes communities that allow caravan parks in prime locations to be taken over by the developers live to regret their decisions.
A few years ago we reported on the sale of Queensland’s beautiful Agnes Water Caravan Park to a resort building company, and we lamented the deal as a sign of things to come.
Now, it seems things haven'tgone exactly according to plan in that particular slice of paradise, and it is the local community that has been left counting the cost.
An Agnes Water business owner says the park’s closure more than four years ago has cost the seaside town up to $5 million.
Mick Seebacher runs a motel about 100 metres from the vacant lot where the Agnes Water caravan park used to be before it was sold and knocked down to make way for the $300 million Sansara resort.
But the ABC reports that, even after all this time since the development was approved, no construction has taken place on the beachfront land – it is still a patch of dirt.
Mr Seebacher told the national broadcaster that about 50,000 people used to stay at the van park annually, injecting up to $5 million into the local economy.
He says it has hurt the town on every level from the local grocer to the investment market.
The owners and financier of the development did not make a comment to the ABC.
Perhaps, in the future, local authorities up and down the country should think longer and harder about handing over great slabs of irreplaceable land and an immeasurable part of our heritage to the developers.
Don’t hold your breath, though!

* * *

February 12

A silver lining
Well, it’s no secret that the tumbling interest rates are having a nasty impact for self-funded retirees. And, as well as interest rates, superannuation funds and share dividends are also falling.
It’s led many would-be grey nomads to hold off on retirement for another year or two … while those already out on the road are unexpectedly having to pick up some extra work. Yet often, this forced change of plan has led to incredibly rewarding experiences.
Retired bank manager Jaap Delvendiep and his wife Jill are a great example of that. The couple have been travelling in their motorhome since 1995, but the financial meltdown and the high cost of diesel hit them hard.
“The cost of living has skyrocketed, and when travelling, it is always higher for consumables in country towns,” Jaap told the Yorke Peninsula Country Times. “As self-funded retirees, we had no surplus funds to even go have a beer or a counter meal at a hotel.”
So they decided to look for part-time work and ended up taking on a five-week relief position managing a roadhouse near the Aboriginal community of Warakurna, 120 kilometres on the Western Australian side of the Northern Territory border.
The roadhouse adjoins the Giles weather station, the most isolated station in Australia, on the Great Central Highway. The town has a joint police complex, manned by staff from both Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
A clinical nurse was stationed at Warakurna, but for anything serious, the RFDS service was available.
“The managers there were desperate for assistance, so we were flown to Alice Springs, then to Uluru, and picked up in a 4WD for the remainder of the journey,” Jaap told the Yorke Penisnula Country Times. “We didn’t know what we were letting ourselves in for.”
Instead of having the managers help them for three weeks before they left for two weeks as planned, Jaap and Jill received only four days of training.
The couple were well and truly thrown in the deep end and, for two 70-year-olds, it was a lot of hard work -12 hours a day, seven days a week - and a steep learning curve.
As well as the roadhouse, there were four motel and 10 backpacker units, a caravan park with unlimited sites and a large ablution block, all to be cleaned and maintained, as well as learning how to serve fuel, and cook meals in the roadhouse.
“The first week we were there, two inches of rain fell, then another inch, and then another two, so for three of our five weeks we were isolated, as the roads were impassable, but somehow we didn’t feel isolated or unsafe,” said Jaap. “There is a beautiful school, and we were so lucky to be involved in the end-of-year Christmas party at the school … as we got to know some of the people, they became very friendly.”
As the couple now pore over photos from their stay at the roadhouse, they say they are looking forward to returning - but definitely not on a working holiday!
They have certainly earned their holiday fuel money, and have added another rich layer of memories to their grey nomad experience. One they wouldn’t have had without the financial crisis. Maybe it really is best to always look on the bright side.

* * *

Lucky escape
Not surprisingly, there have been a lot of grey nomads caught up in the devastating bushfires that have caused such carnage in Victoria.
It seem that words are hardly sufficient to describe the terror of being caught up in such terrible events.
The Northern Territory News reports that one long-time Territorian who was there as the fire swept through said she would rather live through another Cyclone Tracy than the blazing horror she has witnessed unfold around her.
Grey nomads, Dawn Chambers and her husband Bruce, are travelling around Australia with their caravan. They were stuck in the Gippsland town of Rosedale as the fires - which have claimed the lives of more than 180 people - destroyed everything in their path at nearby towns at the weekend.
"It was very scary - these fires just have no mercy," Mrs Chambers told the Northern Territory News. "I told Bruce that I'd rather go through another Cyclone Tracy than this - it is horrifying."
The 69-year-old said they arrived in Rosedale on Saturday morning after visiting the now fire-ravaged areas of Walhulla, Rawson and Erica earlier in the week. She said both roads out of Rosedale quickly became blocked from fallen trees and they were forced to bunker down with other grey nomads in the middle of an open field.
"I just wanted to get out of there but both roads out were closed," she told the newspaper. "We had to put all of our caravans in the middle of the field and we just took shelter there. All of a sudden the sky went black and then red - I was getting really upset and shaking with fear. The fire was about 15 to 20km away and it was bringing fierce, searing hot winds … I thought we were going to die."
The Chambers said they then got a blessing from the skies as there was a wind change and it started to rain.
"The rain was our saviour," Dawn said. "I don't even want to think about what would have happened if it didn't rain."

* * *

February 10

Lessons to be Learned
It could be back to school for all you ex-teachers out there if superannuation continues its downward spiral.
Spurred on by a teacher shortage, the Queensland State Government is introducing a Grey Nomads Teacher Recruitment Program as part of a massive Government campaign to attract and retain ‘quality staff’.
It follows a sharp jump in teacher resignations over the past five years that has left the authorities desperate to boost teacher numbers and relieve hard-working staff.
The Brisbane Courier-Mail reports that scholarships, ‘boomerang’ transfers for short-term placements in difficult to staff locations, and statewide promotional events are all part of the recruitment drive.
The Grey Nomads program will be tested in schools within Fitzroy-central-west, north and southwest Queensland school regions this year, and will provide placements for retired teachers from just a few days to longer term.
“This innovative program will provide participants with the chance to earn an income while travelling, and allow them to really get to know the region they are visiting by becoming a valuable part of the community,” Education Minister Rod Welford told the Courier-Mail. “Our Nomads will be able to plan their travels around one or more short-term teaching placements negotiated in suitable schools.”
The paper spoke to retired teachers Wendy and Russ Pastourel who got in ahead of the trial and have just completed three-month stints at the Prairie State School east of Hughenden in northwest Queensland.
Mrs Pastourel said their short-term stints were a perfect mix of adventure and fulfilment and advised other retired teachers to ‘go for it’.
"It really is fantastic," she said. "If you like to get out and about and a bit of adventure - it really is an adventure - then this is really a terrific opportunity."
The couple now hopes to head off with their dogs to teach for a term somewhere in the Roma area.
Retired teachers wanting to take part in the trial must be registered and maintain their annual registration with the Queensland College of Teachers.
If the trial is successful, it will be rolled out across other parts of the state in 2010.
It’s just another possibility for wannabe travellers. Going back to work may not have been part of your original grey nomad dream lifestyle plan but, looking on the bright side it could just end up enriching the experience.

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February 9

Words Can't Describe
There is little that can be said at a time of tragedy like this except that our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those affected by the devastating bushfires that have swept through so many places.
As the death toll continues to climb to unimaginable numbers and the heartache and pain being suffered by so many reaches unbearable levels, we can but offer sympathy and support.
Of course, as travellers
many of us have visited some of the areas most directly affected by these events. Kinglake National Park in Victoria being so beautiful and so close to Melbourne has long been a favourite for grey nomads, and even in New South Wales where there have thankfully been no deaths so far, large chunks of Brisbane Waters National Park, Wollemi National Park, and Budawang National Park have been destroyed. Some truly wonderful places have been savaged but this ancient land recovers in time, and we can but hope that those people most directly and horribly affected by the fires will find the strength to at least carry on.
No doubt Australians will once again rally around to help in any way we can to enable the victims of the tragedy to begin re-building their lives. It is our sense of community just as much as our land’s natural blessings that make this such a wonderful country to live in and to travel in. Grey nomads, as part of that community, will no doubt do their part.
And these events will also remind us all of the incredible threat we face from bushfires. And it will once again underline the absolute importance of us acting responsibly in relation to campfires and total fire bans and other restrictions. The stakes are simply too high for us to do anything but.

February 6

Space Age Travel
Could this be the way of the future? The new space-age motorhome pictured here could be the ultimate answer to the grey nomads’ motorhome or caravan dilemma.
The ‘cockpit’ of the environmentally-friendly Colim vehicle detaches to reveal its two-seater form which, due to its secure connection between the car and living quarters, removes the weaving dangers associated with traditional caravans. The UK’s Daily Mail reports that the extraordinary design, which bridges the gap between motorhome, caravan and car, can sleep four people and is more fuel efficient than a traditional motorhome.
It has a top speed of 145 kph and features an interior that can be customised to fit a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and seating area.
Designer Christian Susana, 36, from Erlangen, Germany, believes the Colim's iconic sleek curves are most likely to appeal to women buyers.
”The Colim bridges the gap between caravan and campervan and lifestyle and business,” he told the Daily Mail.
Mr Susana is now looking for a company to put the vehicle into full-scale production.
Anyone out there want to put their name on the waiting list?

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February 5

Paradise Found
Well, these survey findings won’t come as much of a shock to those of you who have already travelled in the outback and in the rural communities of this great southern land.
The latest Australian Unity Wellbeing Index report has found that Aussies living in the country are much happier than their city counterparts - with Sydney being the gloomiest place
of all.
The small communities of Litchfield, a Northern Territories wonder spot of tropical wildlife, parks and waterfalls, and Barkly, the desert area north of Uluru, both made the top five happiest places.
“Wellbeing is higher in country areas than it is in city areas,” said report author, Bob Cummins, from Deakin University. “The major driving force behind this is the sense of community people get when they live in country towns ... people connect more to each other and that's very hard to find in cities, very hard indeed.”
Pride in the local environment was an important factor in happiness, said Cummins, and that was reflected among the top-ranking areas.
Places of great natural beauty, such as Kangaroo Island in South Australia, and farming areas with a strong sense of community and ties to the land scored most highly in the index.
All the top five regions had populations less than 40,000.
So, just how happy must those of us living in spectacular free camp spot after spectacular free camp spot with populations of less than 10 be? And we’ve got a great sense of community, as well. We must be off the scale with joy ... and it’s not even happy hour yet!

February 4

Heat, Floods - what next?
The weather is really making life interesting for travellers at the moment. While most grey nomads are sweltering in 40 degree-plus temperatures, those still up in north Queensland are coping with massive flooding issues.
In Ingham, floodwaters have surrounded about 1,000 homes as the Herbert River reaches its highest level in 20 years. The rain is continuing to fall in the river catchment and flood boats are being used to evacuate flooded homes.
The ABC reports that more than 400 millimetres of rain has fallen in two days at Ingham, with the town experiencing its third largest flood on record.
There have also been huge amounts of rain in Townsville and there has been localised flooding in the region. Almost five metres of water is roaring over the Burdekin River bridge at Macrossan on the Flinders Highway between Townsville and Charters Towers.
Over in the Gulf county, the authorities are preparing to evacuate more homes due to the floods. The Norman River at Normanton is expected to peak tomorrow and in Karumba, high tides are expected to exacerbate the flood problem. The whole area is on high alert.
Things haven’t been much better in Western Australia. Last week, the Carnarvon Caravan Park had to be evacuated when it was inundated with water.
Well, while travelling out of season is a great way to beat the crowds, it certainly seems like it can have its downsides!
Suddenly, the thought of ‘enduring’ another scorcher doesn’t seem quite so bad!

February 3

Call in the Reserves
Well, it seems like the unfortunate trend towards closing off camping reserves to grey nomads and others is gathering pace.
The fate of the Berrima Reserve Campground at Berrima just off the Hume Highway is scarily typical. Wingecarribee Shire Council, which manages the crown reserve on behalf of the State Government, closed it off to campers last year after the Department of Lands advised it was not designated as a camping ground. But all is not lost. Residents and campers gathered in the town last week to discuss whether something should be done to reverse the decision.
The Southern Highland News newspaper reported fifth generation Berrima resident Jill Denny as saying the reserve had always been a popular place for swimmers, picnickers and campers.
“It’s an absolute disgrace the way people are treated now,” she said. “It’s costing a fortune and I think it is very wrong and not nice for Berrima ... I see campers go down there at nine at night to a locked gate and some aren’t too happy.”
It’s true. Barricades are erected to keep motorhomes and campers off the reserve, a gate is locked at 6pm each night, and signs warn visitors and residents that a range of activities are prohibited at the reserve. Charming! Ms Denny reckons it’s all presenting an unfriendly image to visitors, include a healthy dose of grey nomads ... and I reckon she’s right.
Tom McLean of the Sydney Caravan Club told the Southern Highland News that more and more councils are yielding to the objections of neighbours and are closing camping areas.
“Share Australia: it belongs to all of us,” he told the newspaper. “Be a little understanding of the needs and desires of others ... objectors should not preclude us from using the facility. Don’t take the simplest course and ban everyone from the site forever.”
Too right, Tommy!
Email Wingecarribee Shire Council at wscmail@wsc.nsw.gov.au to let them know what you think of the situation in Berrima.

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