Minister for Fair Trading Anthony Roberts today announced the establishment of a register of all NSW residential parks, to provide the Government and stakeholders with complete statistical data on the industry.

“Our election commitment to improve the governance of the residential park industry and review the Residential Parks Act 1998 is a priority for the NSW Government,” Mr Roberts said.

“Residential parks are caravan parks and manufactured home estates that have permanent residents, with up to 600 residential parks in New South Wales.

“The registration system will be easy and straightforward, in recognition that most parks are run by small business operators.

“There will be no cost imposed for registration, this is not about adding extra red tape or imposing unnecessary costs on park operators.

“The current governance arrangements are confusing, cumbersome and often lead to conflict between owners and residents.

“We are also undertaking a legislative review to improve the operation of residential parks.

It will examine issues including a system of licensing for park operators, mandatory education for new operators and improving the process for resolving ‘excessive rent increase’ applications.

“As part of the review a discussion paper will be released for public comment towards the end of 2011.”

Mr Roberts said having a register of residential parks in place will help inform the review and identify individual park operators and resident representatives for the public consultation process.

“I am determined to ensure that people directly affected by the residential park laws have the opportunity to have their say on these important issues.

“The NSW Government will write to all known caravan parks and manufactured home estates in the near future advising them how to register their details.

“The establishment of a register is just the first step in delivering on the NSW Government’s election commitments to residential park residents,” Mr Roberts said.

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