Caravan park owners are reporting a noticeable decline in holidaymakers planning their Easter road trips as ongoing fuel price increases take a toll. Richard and April Croydon, who have embarked on a dream journey around Australia, are particularly affected. Just four weeks into what was meant to be a nine-month adventure, they are now concerned about potentially needing to cut their travels short or facing the prospect of being stranded.
The couple had originally budgeted between $5,000 and $9,000 for their fuel expenses; however, with soaring petrol prices, they now estimate that figure could rise to between $15,000 and $18,000. Mr Croydon, driving a fuel-intensive Dodge Ram, remarked that the current situation is financially crippling, emphasizing the uncertainty they face during their journey.
Caravan parks are experiencing a wave of cancellations as many travellers express worries not only about the escalating fuel costs but also about the availability of fuel stations during their trips. The caravan park sector is in communication with the state government regarding these challenges.
Scott Parker, the CEO of Caravan and Residential Parks Victoria, highlighted the ongoing efforts to ensure these holiday locations remain viable, especially for regions that have previously faced adversity due to bushfires and flooding. Such areas greatly rely on tourist visits, which are now dwindling due to these fuel concerns.
Currently, over 8% of service stations nationwide are out of at least one fuel type, with numerous stations in Victoria reporting significant shortages of both diesel and unleaded petrol. In response to the crisis, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has committed the government to collaborate with fuel retailers to restore supply. Meanwhile, the state opposition is urging for immediate government intervention to ease the financial burden on drivers by pausing the fuel excise.
Opposition Leader Jess Wilson has called on both the Premier and the Prime Minister to implement a temporary reduction in the fuel excise, advocating that such a measure could provide immediate relief to communities struggling with cost of living pressures stemming from high fuel prices.
As fuel availability remains uncertain and prices continue to surge, many Australians are left questioning the feasibility of their holiday plans, significantly impacting the caravan and tourism sectors ahead of the Easter holiday.