Park Residents Mobilise to fight State Election

Feb. 5, 2011 - PRLog -- Park residents living in caravan parks and manufactured home villages have welcomed the Liberal Nationals and Greens Residential Parks Policy Launch at the Tweed Heads Park Residents Forum on Thursday, 3rd February, organised by the Affiliated Residential Park Residents Association of NSW (ARPRA).

ARPRA Vice President Gary Martin said "that legislative changes were urgently needed to better protect the 90,000 residents living in this style of accommodation."

After years of frustration with successive Ministers of Fair Trading who have failed to recognise so many of the day-to-day problems experienced by our members in residential parks, it is refreshing to have been able to put our problems to Shadow Minister for Fair Trading Greg Aplin and the Greens David Shoebridge MLC  and receive such a favourable response.

Both politicians have indicated the introduction of a statewide licensing and training system for park operators, reversing the onus of proof from park residents to operators in rent rises and a complete review of the Residential Parks Act and regulations.

State President of ARPRA, Lesley Wakeling said " a year ago there were 898 applications to the Consumer Trader Tenancy Tribunal in regards to rent increases, but last year it almost doubled to 1741. Rents are spiralling out of control with most park operators average return on investment being around 20%. Residential parks are becoming cash cows and the buzzword, lifestyle village and over 50s is costing residents dearly."

Park owners and operators hold a position of influence over the day-to-day life of park residents, many of whom are elderly or venerable. The industry deserves a better system of regulation and residents deserve better protection.

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About Affiliated Residential Park Residents Association NSW
ARPRA is the Affiliated Residential Park Residents Association NSW Incorporated. The combined activities of all affiliates which are your local Park Residents Associations have affiliates from Tweed Heads to Shoalhaven with ARPRA being the state body.

Each affiliate contributes to the cost of running ARPRA by way of a membership fee. Each affiliate sets their own fee with a portion of that fee funding the state body. ARPRA is the combined activities of all affiliates.

WHAT WE DO

We will also:

* represent you at tribunal hearings when the need arises.
* negotiate on your behalf during excessive rent disputes.
* have access to local and state government agencies.
* help you know your rights.