CMCA Statement (5) – Coronavirus/COVID-19             30 March 2020 

The board and management will continue to keep you updated, at least twice a week, regarding the effects COVID-19 is having on our Club and its members. Again, we would like to reiterate that the health and well-being of members, volunteers and staff of CMCA is paramount and remains our first priority. Sometimes that is a balancing act – but we must act in the best interest of the Club overall. 

As Government and health officials update Australians daily with the changes occurring, we must ensure that we comply. State Governments can now enforce and fine individuals, and companies alike, if they break self-isolation, social distancing and other like rules. This happened recently near Newcastle, NSW where a known infected person was caught on the street twice - going about her normal duties; the fine was $1000. 

We would like to advise the membership that the Federal Government has responded in relation to our enquiry regarding full-time RV travellers who need an area to ‘park up’ in this difficult time of campground and national and state park closures - we are still waiting to hear back from State Governments. The Deputy Prime Minister’s department stated that they have passed this on to officials from the Department of Infrastructure; however, they understand that some states are allowing caravan parks to house full-time travellers with no permanent home. We would like to point out that not all states and territories have instructed their caravan parks to close. We are currently trying to establish what caravan park chains are accommodating full-time RV travellers and will duly advise the membership as soon as we can.

We have also received advice from some of your fellow members who are offering full-time travellers the opportunity to ‘park up’ on their own private property - which is a wonderful gesture. This is be promoted through our social media channels; we will also place on our ‘members only’ website. 

Please keep an eye out for the relevant websites (depending on state) that provide the latest information on what is open and closed. Many of our RV Friendly Towns, at this point in time, appear to have some of their rest areas open - especially to self-contained vehicles. 

As a result of increasing state border and other travel restrictions, members still on the road will be restricted on where and how they can travel – remember this is exactly what the Government wants to do to stop the spread of COVID-19.  Only essential travel is allowed – and that does not include movement around by choice. 

We will continue to act upon further advice the Government and health authorities release, once officially announced. We must be measured in our approach to ensure the best actions are taken. 

These are unprecedented times; we all must work together. We ask all members to remain calm and abide by all guidelines that have been established regarding border restrictions, park closures, self- isolation, social-distancing and when and how to seek medical advice/treatment – for more information please refer to https://www.health.gov.au/. 

Again, thank you to all those who continue to support both the Club and the actions needed to overcome COVID-19.

Kim Atkinson                        Richard Barwick

Chairman                         Chief Executive Officer

Please view the PDF HERE. 

Page Last Updated: Monday, 30 March 2020 2:54 PM, Session: