Grey nomads and other travellers may be back out exploring regional Victoria again, but the crushing economic cost of the Covid-inspired lockdowns on caravan parks is becoming ever clearer.
The largest accommodation provider on the Great Ocean Road, the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC), has just released its 2019-20 annual report … and it doesn’t make for pretty reading
The group has seen its income from caravan parks and reserves crash from $14.6 million in 2018-19 to $12.7 million in 2019-20.
The Geelong Advertiser reports that the GORCC was first forced to close its caravan parks at Torquay, Anglesea and Lorne in March. The parks re-opened in June, only to be shut down in August as Victoria’s second wave hit. The parks then re-opened again in September.
GORCC acting chief executive officer Daniel Aitken said the past 12 months had been difficult.
“As with many organisations, Covid-19 has presented a very challenging time for our staff, partners and customers, and has materially impacted our financial results,” Mr Aitken told the Advertiser. “We have had to change our strategies, prepare for several economic scenarios, close and re-open our caravan parks, and support staff with additional leave.”
The 2019-20 annual report will be the last for the organisation, with GORCC to transition to the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority from December 1.
GORCC chair Ken Northwood said the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will ‘continue to be felt for some time to come’.
“As an organisation we have navigated this period of uncertainty with strength and we will pass on a significant legacy to the new authority,” Mr Northwood said. “We remain focused on delivering the best possible coastal experiences while continuing to carefully manage the financial and earnings impact of the pandemic.”
“The group has seen its income from caravan parks and reserves crash from $14.6 million in 2018-19 to $12.7 million in 2019-20.”
Seems like they are doing hugely better than the great majority of small businesses so maybe don’t have too much to complain about