Introduction

The views put forward in this report are based on discussions held during a one day Forum organised by Housing for the Aged Action Group, where approximately 100 older residents from a number of caravan and residential parks across Victoria came together to discuss their concerns about the current problems they are facing with their accommodation.
The response from residents was overwhelming, and the active participation of the large number of people who attended revealed their widespread concern about the difficulties faced by residents in caravan and residential parks in Victoria.

As Housing for the Aged Action Group is a support organisation for older people, there was an emphasis at the Forum, and in this report, on the needs of older people who have, in the main, chosen caravan and residential park living as a lifestyle option. Therefore, the issues raised reflect the needs of this section of the caravan and residential park population.
HAAG wishes to acknowledge that there are many other kinds of residents who live in caravan and residential parks, such as those seeking less permanent accommodation or even emergency housing.
We would expect that any further investigation at a statewide level would incorporate all the demographic profiles of residents in this particular type of accommodation.

However, there are residents, many of whom we would term 'older people', who desire to live permanently in caravan and residential parks, who have a range of specific needs that must be addressed.
This report aims to highlight their problems. This report does not claim to be a comprehensive account of the problems faced by residents and the issues pertaining to the industry.
Many other issues, large and small, such as the need to stem the tide of park closures or the technical legalities of utility charges, need thorough examination.
This report is a snapshot of many of the issues that residents face and is a stepping stone towards the need for a comprehensive enquiry into this housing sector.

SUMMARY OF MAIN THEMES
RAISED DURING THE FORUM

Residents' main recommendations based on discussions held during the Caravan and Residential Parks Statewide Forum held on the 25th June 2005 were:

Residents require legislative reform that protects the distinct needs of people who desire to live long term in caravan and residential parks.

Such legislation must address the following main problems:
- Lack of security of tenure
- Lack of rent and fee control
- No rights for residents to participate in decision-making made by park managers about issues which directly affect residents' lives
- Residents need the opportunity to organise a representative voice through legally sanctioned residents' committees in parks
- Reduce complexity in contracts and ensure terms in dwelling sale contracts are clear, unambiguous and in plain English
- Laws covering residents must give protection which provides residents with the confidence to take steps to remedy problems that may arise in their park
- The need for better regulation of the industry, including a central registration process for parks, and development of parks' management standards

At the statewide level residents need a representative voice through the formation of a working group which will lobby for reforms, identify ongoing problems, monitor trends and inform government about the needs of residents.

Residents need access to free and specialist advocacy services which encourage residents to exercise their rights and provide assistance to support and represent them when necessary.

A state-wide scoping study is required of the caravan and residential park industry, to obtain an accurate understanding of the current state of the sector and to determine trends and future needs.