The Victorian Government’s decision to exempt Victoria’s private caravan parks from land tax is welcome, says the Victorian Tourism Industry Council (VTIC).

"This decision will help secure the future of Victoria’s privately owned caravan parks", says VTIC Chairman Bob Annells.

"Given the significant rises in land values over the last five years and the corresponding increase in the land tax burden, Victoria’s private caravan park industry was facing decimation, particularly in coastal areas.

"The social and economic consequences of this would have been extremely damaging.

"Caravan parks are a key component of Victorian’s tourism industry, making up approximately 25 percent of visitor nights in regional Victoria.

"Caravan parks also currently provide affordable holidays for Victorian families.

"VTIC and the Victorian Caravan Parks Association have been lobbying for land tax relief for private caravan parks since early 2003.

"We commend the Government for heeding industry concerns", says Mr Annells.

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