The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA), the nation’s peak body for the manufacturers, distributors and retailers of automotive parts and accessories, along with the Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA), the peak national body for the caravanning and camping industry, wish to clarify the situation relating to proposed 4WD law changes in Queensland which has generated media coverage around the country in recent days.

The recent media articles, specifically those that appear in the Courier Mail (Brisbane) of August 21, 2018, vastly exaggerate the effect of the current Federal Government rules which only apply to towing capacity upgrades made on pre-registered vehicles. This has understandably alarmed industry businesses along with their customers.

Members of the AAAA perform safe and responsible vehicle upgrades in Queensland and will continue to do so. The AAAA are working constructively with the Queensland Government on their proposed state based 4WD vehicle modification standards, contrary to what has been stated in several of the recent media articles.

Both the AAAA and CIAA support 4WD owners and caravan industry consumers in obtaining responsible vehicle modifications that ensure safer towing.

Both industry organisations are seeking national uniformity in relation to the highly responsible, effective and road safety enhancing 4WD modification rules that currently apply across the rest of the country.

“It makes no sense to think that vehicles which are highly likely to cross state lines are subject to different modification rules and we do want to see the Queensland Government take into account the 4WD suspension modification rules that apply in all of the other states and territories,” stated Stuart Charity, AAAA Executive Director.

“There is currently a disconnect between Queensland and New South Wales on suspension height upgrades and this is of major concern – but to imply that you can’t upgrade a vehicle in Queensland anymore is simply not true and has caused major alarm amongst that state’s 4WD and Caravanning community, representing hundreds of thousands of motorists.

“The AAAA has invested heavily in providing full engineering and testing evidence to all Federal and State Government regulators to prove the ongoing compliance and safety of suspension upgrades and we look forward to working with the Queensland Government to ensure that any future changes in State regulation have the benefit of input from industry experts”, He added.

According to Stuart Lamont, Chief Executive Officer of CIAA, “The modern-day caravanner crosses many state borders and the lack of harmonisation of state-based regulations does nothing other than confuse the market.  As one country, the concept of barrier-free travel must be a priority to ensure that the many regional areas that the travelling caravanning community frequents are able to be enjoyed in a safe and legal manner and without frivolous impediment.”

“The caravanning community is worth billions of dollars annually to the Queensland economy and political uncertainty over policy does little to stimulate or provide confidence to the 4WD and caravanning markets,” Mr Lamont stated.

The AAAA and CIAA are ready to assist in bringing all of the parties together to achieve national consistency in relation to 4WD vehicle upgrades.

On Monday night, the Caravan & Camping Industry Association of NSW hosted the ‘Awards of Excellence’ at Sydney’s Luna Park to recognise the ‘best in the field’ in the NSW caravan and camping industry. The peak body set out to find the best in the industry, including small and large holiday parks, service providers, RV manufacturers, dealers and employees, and to award those going above and beyond to make the industry what it is today.

“This year we had an unprecedented number of nominations, making an outstanding list of businesses across NSW which are striving to deliver excellence in quality and service in our sector,” Association President, Theo Whitmont said.

In such a vibrant and innovative community, these awards are a great way to recognise the vast majority of services the caravan and camping community provide to Australians – whether it be road trippers setting out on a new adventure, families seeking a resort style holiday or even campers just wanting to get back to the basics.

With an unprecedented number of nominations, the Caravan & Camping Industry Association of NSW awarded the “Best of the Best” award to BIG4 Great Lakes at Forster-Tuncurry (Holiday, Tourist & Resort Parks) and Horizon Motorhomes (Products & Services).

“BIG4 Great Lakes offers a fantastic holiday oasis with modern, family-focused facilities and its commitment to customer service has made it a successful business that is an integral part of the Great Lakes economy,” Mr Whitmont said.

Horizon Motorhomes now joins the CCIA’s ‘Hall of Fame’ this year, reflecting three years of consecutive achievement in the industry awards.

“Horizon Motorhomes, based in Ballina, has been designing motorhomes since 1995. Each motorhome is hand built with precision and passion and with the best quality materials and techniques which have lead it to become one of the largest RV manufacturers in Australia.”

The industry also recognised the outstanding commitment of individuals with Employee of the Year and Young Achiever awards:

• Employee of the Year (Holiday, Tourist & Resort Parks)
  Margaret Shannon – BIG4 Great Lakes at Forster-Tuncurry
• Employee of the Year (Products & Services)
  Carlos Larrain – Cub Campers
• Outstanding Contribution of a Young Achiever (Holiday, Tourist & Resort Parks)
  Christopher Stokoe – Ingenia Communities
• Outstanding Contribution of a Young Achiever (Products & Services)
  Reade Price – Avida Recreational Vehicles

Congratulations to all the nominees and recipients.

The 2017 Melbourne Leisurefest once again attracted over 32,000 visitors across the four days, setting another record being our highest attendance number at 32,306 in seven years!

Over four days, visitors were entertained and inspired to ‘Go Make Some Memories’ as they saw the best that this industry has to offer with over 220 exhibitors and entertainment for all the family.

Celebrity speakers; Dr Katrina Warren and Merv Hughes were crowd favourites with large numbers enjoying their engaging presentations and many enjoyed a hug with nine-week old border collier puppy ‘Switch’ who was part of Dr Katrina Warren’s presentation on ‘Tip for Travelling with Pets’.  The main stage provided not only our celebrity speakers but also informative seminars and entertainment which was enjoyed by all.

There were plenty of free activities that were embraced by the crowds such as the 4×4 Track where thrill seekers had the opportunity to be driven by a professional driver over the four-wheel drive circuit.  For those wanting a slower paced the Vintage Van displays were a favourite again with many taking a trip down memory lane to eras long forgotten.

The Go Make Some Memories Passport to Freedom competition was as popular as ever, with J. Black of Dingley taking home the major prize: the Jayco ‘Freedom’ Camper Trailer valued at $13,990.

“Congratulations to all of our prize winners and especially to Ms. Black on winning a brand-new camper trailer! We hope it brings you years of happy memories with your family,” said Rob Lucas, CEO of the Caravan Industry Association Victoria.

Passport Prize winners are:
1st       J. Black:  Dingley VIC
2nd      H. Little:  Narre Warren VIC
3rd       S. Kaiser:  Blackburn South VIC
4th       S. Kurtis:  Shepparton VIC
5th       E. Snowden:  Langwarrin VIC

“The stable of exhibitors continues to improve and become more diverse every show. This year in particular we noticed and appreciated the extra effort they went to in order to give our visitors the best possible day out,” said Mr Lucas.

“With 70% of caravanners and campers travelling with their pets these days and consumer feedback we allowed dogs to attend the show this year.  Feedback has indicated that this was an overwhelming success and enticed some outdoor adventurers to attend Melbourne Leisurefest who would not normally attend,” Mr Lucas further commented.

Special thanks must go to the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) who support Melbourne Leisurefest; the show’s major sponsor, Dometic; show partners, AL-KO International, Stratton and G & S Chassis; media partners, 3AW and the Herald Sun; the hundreds of exhibitors and the volunteers who made the show run so smoothly.