Caravan World Issue 623

Congratulations to Titan Caravans and their stunning 480 hybrid offroader, which won our MSA-sponsored 2022 Caravan of the Year event at Nagambie in central Victoria. The winning choice went to a company that arrived at the event well prepared with a van that eased out the competition in a close finish. The Titan team has long been a keen competitor. Last year they fronted up all the way from Queensland to Healesville for our 2021 event which was abandoned at the last minute when the state was locked down once again due to COVID. This year they showcased a well-considered compact couple’s van with an innovative approach to off-grid and simple living. The win showed that the Titan company owners listen to customer feedback and industry criticism and continually improve the…

After years of delay, the Federal Government this week has once again postponed long-overdue changes to Australia's vehicle compliance laws and regulations. Deputy Prime Minister, Barnaby Joyce, introduced legislation in the final sitting week of the Morrison Government to set back by a year the introduction of the new Roads Vehicle Standards Act first agreed in 2017. As reported in Caravan World last year, the legislation is the most significant change in compliance for the caravan industry for generations. It does away with a lax self -certification process currently in place. The new processes were to change the current system of manufacturer-generated compliance plates with strict and traceable records that demonstrate compliance with Australian Design Rules. However, the new laws apply to all motor vehicles, not only caravans, and intense lobbying from other sectors…

Congratulations to Titan Caravans and their stunning 480 hybrid offroader, which won our MSA-sponsored 2022 Caravan of the Year event at Nagambie in central Victoria. The winning choice went to a company that arrived at the event well prepared with a van that eased out the competition in a close finish. The Titan team has long been a keen competitor. Last year they fronted up all the way from Queensland to Healesville for our 2021 event which was abandoned at the last minute when the state was locked down once again due to COVID. This year they showcased a well-considered compact couple’s van with an innovative approach to off-grid and simple living. The win showed that the Titan company owners listen to customer feedback and industry criticism and continually improve…

In a setback to Australia’s iconic Wet Tropic World Heritage Area, an area that stretches along the north-east coast of Australia for some 450km and is extremely significant in terms of biodiversity, the federal budget has failed to explicitly fund the successful yellow crazy ant (also known as long-legged ant or Maldive ant) control program run by the Wet Tropics Management Authority in Cairns. “If this program were to stop it would be a major blow to the World Heritage Area and the communities around Cairns and Townsville who are impacted by this dangerous invasive species,” said James Trezise, Conservation Director of The Invasive Species Council. “Most Australians would be familiar with the Daintree Rainforest, which are the oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforests on Earth. What many people may not realise is…

From the Grampians to the Great Ocean Road, travellers now have more opportunities to explore even more of the great outdoors with the opening of new and upgraded campgrounds across Victoria. Whether it’s pristine coastlines or the rugged High Country there is something for everyone, with 13 new and 28 upgraded campgrounds and a further 23 new and 55 upgraded campgrounds to be finished by mid-2023 The Andrews Labor Government has invested $105.6 million towards getting more Victorians outside into nature, with more accessible and affordable options like new campgrounds, better walking trails, and visitor facilities across the state. New camping spots include Flat Spur Campground at Mount Buller, Thomson Bridge Campground in Gippsland, and Stockman’s Campground in Big River State Forest just south of Lake Eildon. Popular destination Great Otway National Park has…

After years of delay, the Federal Government this week has once again postponed long-overdue changes to Australia's vehicle compliance laws and regulations. Deputy Prime Minister, Barnaby Joyce, introduced legislation in the final sitting week of the Morrison Government to set back by a year the introduction of the new Roads Vehicle Standards Act first agreed in 2017. As reported in Caravan World last year, the legislation is the most significant change in compliance for the caravan industry for generations. It does away with a lax self -certification process currently in place. The new processes were to change the current system of manufacturer-generated compliance plates with strict and traceable records that demonstrate compliance with Australian Design Rules. However, the new laws apply to all motor vehicles, not only caravans, and intense…