New rules for caravan parks to come into effect July 1

19/6/97

New regulations for caravan parks and camping grounds have been approved and will come into effect on July 1.

Local Government Minister Paul Omodei said today that the approval would allow both the regulations and the Caravan Parks and Camping Grounds Act (1995) to come into force simultaneously.

Mr Omodei said it was a significant legislative achievement by the Coalition Government.

Since 1987 there had been a variety of working groups and advisory committees formulating policies for caravan and camping legislation, but it was not until the present Government took office that clear policy decisions were made to ensure that legislation could be presented to Parliament

After the Act was passed late in 1995, a concerted effort was made by the industry, various State Government agencies, local government and consumers to ensure that regulations were framed to achieve the greater freedom permitted under the Act.

The new legislation would enable caravan parks to change from their traditional use for holiday purposes to multiple uses and, in particular, permanent residency incorporating the provisions of the Residential Tenancies Act.

It would lift the status of a caravan park dwelling in all its forms.

All local governments and caravan parks would be circulated with advice about the Act and regulations.

"It has been a long haul, but I am pleased to see the completion of this task, which will be welcomed by many Western Australians and visitors to this State," Mr Omodei said.

Media contact: Hugh Ryan 366 0200