When 82-year-old Pat Blackwood bought his caravan and built a hard annexe at Dicky Beach Holiday Park on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, he thought he'd secured his forever home. Like many of his 81 neighbours, Pat invested over $200,000 of his life savings into what he believed would be a safe, affordable place to spend his golden years.
Now, an advocacy group is calling on the government to urgently overhaul the rules protecting long-term residents in caravan parks and lifestyle villages, as elderly tenants — some in their 80s — face the devastating prospect of losing their homes with little notice and no compensation.
The battle at Dicky Beach isn't happening in isolation. Australia's caravan parks are undergoing significant transformations in 2025, and not all changes are being welcomed by the community.
As councils and developers eye lucrative tourism opportunities, long-term residents and budget-conscious travelers find themselves caught in the crossfire.
The Dicky Beach dilemma
Over 130 residents of caravan parks along the NSW north coast as they face the unsettling prospect of homelessness, and now Queensland faces its own crisis.
At Dicky Beach, Sunshine Coast Council has proposed gradually converting the park back to short-term tourist accommodation through what they call a 'Natural Attrition Procedure.'
Under this plan, current residents wouldn't be forced out immediately, but once someone moves or passes away, their site would be converted to holiday accommodation.
This means residents can't sell to other permanent residents, essentially trapping them in properties that could become worthless.
'For years we have lived under clear agreements, investing not only our savings but our hearts into our homes'
The financial mathematics are stark. The Guardian reports that van park operators in south-east Queensland are receiving up to 30 calls a day from people seeking long-term accommodation, while council data shows the 82 permanent sites at Dicky Beach generate $871,542 annually compared to an estimated $1.7 million if converted to short-term tourist accommodation.
A crisis spreading across Australia
This isn't just a Sunshine Coast problem. In Geraldton, WA, the closure of Drummond Cove Holiday Park forced elderly residents, some of whom had lived there for over two decades, to vacate their homes amidst a tightening housing crisis.
In Clarence Valley, NSW, over 130 semi-permanent residents received eviction notices to vacate by June 30, making way for tourist accommodations.
The numbers tell a sobering story. Australia's expanding ranks of retirees, faced with skyrocketing house prices and inadequate savings, are set to boost demand for cheaper manufactured homes.
If demand from people over 50 for homes in caravan parks continues at the current rate, it would rise to 96,636 properties by 2021 from 76,897 in 2011.
Why seniors choose caravan parks
Australia's expanding ranks of retirees, faced with skyrocketing house prices and inadequate savings, are set to boost demand for cheaper manufactured homes.
For many, caravan parks offer more than just affordable housing—they provide community, security, and often beachfront locations that would otherwise be unattainable.
Understanding caravan park living costs
Entry costs: $150,000-$300,000 for caravan plus annexe
Weekly site fees: $300-$500
Includes: Water, power, waste management, community facilities
Maintenance: Resident responsibility for caravan upkeep
Security: Generally no lease security like traditional rentals
The appeal is clear. People kept an eye on the elderly too, it really was a village where everyone spoke to each other and helped those in need, as one former resident recalled.
These communities often provide social connections and mutual support that isolated seniors might struggle to find elsewhere.
Legal protections fall short
'DPE is very conscious that caravan parks are often home to vulnerable people who would be at increased risk of homelessness should the parks close down.
We want to deliver more housing but only where it is safe and appropriate to do so', acknowledged a NSW planning executive, highlighting official recognition of the vulnerability issue.
Steps residents can take to protect themselves
- Join or contact advocacy groups like Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG)
- Document all agreements and payments made to the park
- Seek legal advice from community legal centres
- Attend council meetings and make submissions
- Connect with other affected residents for collective action
- Contact local MPs and media to raise awareness
CARPAV (Caravan and Residential Parks and Villages) operated between 2011 and 2017. The CARPAV working group is now operating under the new title- 'Retirement Accommodation Action Group', showing ongoing advocacy efforts to improve protections.
Financial devastation beyond property values
The impact extends far beyond immediate property devaluation. Many residents purchased their caravans as part of their aged care planning, intending to eventually sell and use the funds for residential aged care fees. With properties potentially unsaleable to permanent residents, this retirement strategy crumbles.
One affected person shared: 'I am one of those forced into nomadic caravan life due to an unexpected chronic health issue and disability not being enough to rent my own house for the past 3 years. I try to make the best of a challenging situation but having to constantly move on as all caravan parks have time limits on stays and most no longer accept permanent residents takes its toll on my health and sense of wellbeing for sure!'
Support and advocacy efforts
Advocacy groups are working to 'represent the rights of residents in caravan and residential parks and villages,' 'campaign for improvements to housing conditions for older people in caravan and residential parks and villages,' and are 'constantly seeking improvements to laws governing caravan and residential parks and villages'.
The Housing for the Aged Action Group (HAAG) continues to advocate for stronger protections, while outdated planning laws relating to caravan parks, manufactured home estates, camping grounds, and moveable dwellings are set for their first shake-up in 30 years.
DPE Executive Director Housing and Economic Policy Luke Walton said sensible reforms are proposed to modernise regulations around caravan parks and camping grounds to bring them into the 21st century.
What you can do
If you're affected by similar situations or concerned about caravan park residents' rights:
Immediate steps:
- Contact HAAG (Housing for the Aged Action Group) for support and advice
- Document all agreements and payments
- Attend council meetings and public consultations
- Connect with local media to share your story
Legal support:
- Community legal centres offer free advice for seniors
- State-based tenancy advocacy services
- Local Legal Aid offices
Political action:
- Contact your local MP
- Make submissions to planning consultations
- Join collective action groups
Did you know?
Did you know?
Dicky Beach Family Holiday Park has been named in Queensland's Top 10 family holiday destinations. As well as the Dicky Beach Family Holiday Park, Sunshine Coast Council operates parks at Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Cotton Tree, Mudjimba and Coolum Beach. The tourism value driving these conversion decisions is significant, but shouldn't come at the cost of seniors' housing security.
The human cost of policy
At its heart, this crisis is about more than legal technicalities—it's about dignity, security, and the right to age in place. For many older Australians, eviction is not just an inconvenience; it threatens their health, well-being, and sense of belonging.
As our population ages and affordable housing becomes scarcer, governments, operators, and communities must work together to ensure that those who have contributed so much to our society are not left behind.
The residents of Dicky Beach face their council meeting with Mayor Rosanna Natoli this week, hoping for a fair hearing.
Their fight represents a much larger battle happening across Australia, where tourism profits increasingly trump the housing security of vulnerable seniors.
What This Means For You
Have you or someone you know been affected by caravan park conversion policies? What support do you think should be available for long-term caravan park residents facing these situations? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Primary Source
https://au.news.yahoo.com/caravan-p...cision-looms-extremely-worried-064648846.html
Elderly Aussies face eviction as caravan park crisis sparks urgent calls for reform
Cited text: An advocacy group is calling on the government to urgently overhaul the rules protecting long-term residents in caravan parks and lifestyle villages, ...
Excerpt: an advocacy group is calling on the government to urgently overhaul the rules protecting long-term residents in caravan parks and lifestyle villages, as elderly tenants — some in their 80s — face the devastating prospect of losing their…
https://au.news.yahoo.com/elderly-a...sparks-urgent-calls-for-reform-063811936.html
Vanlife Squeeze: Are Caravan Parks Pushing Out Long-Term Residents?
Cited text: Australia’s caravan parks are undergoing significant transformations in 2025, and not all changes are being welcomed by the community. As councils and...
Excerpt: Australia's caravan parks are undergoing significant transformations in 2025, and not all changes are being welcomed by the community.
https://wikipubs.com.au/caravan-park-evictions-australia/
Caravan park residents face eviction and threats of homelessness due to this move | Seniors Discount Club
Cited text: The tranquillity of coastal living is being disrupted for over 130 residents of caravan parks along the NSW north coast as they face the unsettling pr...
Excerpt: Over 130 residents of caravan parks along the NSW north coast as they face the unsettling prospect of homelessness
https://seniorsdiscountclub.com.au/...reats-of-homelessness-due-to-this-move.71625/
Caravan park residents face eviction and threats of homelessness due to this move | Seniors Discount Club
Cited text: The Australian dream often depicts a wonderful home to be shared with your family and loved ones.
Excerpt: The Guardian reports that van park operators in south-east Queensland are receiving up to 30 calls a day from people seeking long-term accommodation
https://seniorsdiscountclub.com.au/...reats-of-homelessness-due-to-this-move.71625/
Caravan parks under pressure as housing crisis worsens | The Grey Nomads | Travel & Holiday Information Australia : Road Trips, Caravans & Motorhomes
Cited text: The Guardian reports that van park operators in south-east Queensland are receiving up to 30 calls a day from people seeking long-term accommodation.
Excerpt: The Guardian reports that van park operators in south-east Queensland are receiving up to 30 calls a day from people seeking long-term accommodation
https://www.thegreynomads.com.au/housing/
Vanlife Squeeze: Are Caravan Parks Pushing Out Long-Term Residents?
Cited text: In Geraldton, WA, the closure of Drummond Cove Holiday Park forced elderly residents, some of whom had lived there for over two decades, to vacate the...
Excerpt: In Geraldton, WA, the closure of Drummond Cove Holiday Park forced elderly residents, some of whom had lived there for over two decades, to vacate their homes amidst a tightening housing crisis
https://wikipubs.com.au/caravan-park-evictions-australia/
Vanlife Squeeze: Are Caravan Parks Pushing Out Long-Term Residents?
Cited text: The Ultimate QLD Pub Trail—Free Road Trip Guide for Travellers · In Clarence Valley, NSW, over 130 semi-permanent residents received eviction notice...
Excerpt: In Clarence Valley, NSW, over 130 semi-permanent residents received eviction notices to vacate by June 30, making way for tourist accommodations
https://wikipubs.com.au/caravan-park-evictions-australia/
Broke retirees take over Australia's caravan parks | Housing For The Aged Action Group
Cited text: Australia's expanding ranks of retirees, faced with skyrocketing house prices and inadequate savings, are set to boost demand for cheaper manufactured...
Excerpt: Australia's expanding ranks of retirees, faced with skyrocketing house prices and inadequate savings, are set to boost demand for cheaper manufactured homes.
https://www.oldertenants.org.au/content/broke-retirees-take-over-australias-caravan-parks
Caravan Parks | Housing For The Aged Action Group
Cited text: Australia's expanding ranks of retirees, faced with skyrocketing house prices and inadequate savings, are set to boost demand for cheaper manufac...
Excerpt: Australia's expanding ranks of retirees, faced with skyrocketing house prices and inadequate savings, are set to boost demand for cheaper manufactured homes
https://www.oldertenants.org.au/resource-themes/caravan-parks
Caravan park residents face eviction and threats of homelessness due to this move | Seniors Discount Club
Cited text: we are facing a homeless crisis are we not, I lived in a caravan with my husband and to rowdy young boys because of finances, what struck me at the ti...
Excerpt: People kept an eye on the elderly too, it really was a village where everyone spoke to each other and helped those in need
https://seniorsdiscountclub.com.au/...reats-of-homelessness-due-to-this-move.71625/
Planning law changes for new caravan parks and manufactured home estates | Planning
Cited text: “DPE is very conscious that caravan parks are often home to vulnerable people who would be at increased risk of homelessness should the parks close do...
Excerpt: 'DPE is very conscious that caravan parks are often home to vulnerable people who would be at increased risk of homelessness should the parks close down.
https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/new...w-caravan-parks-and-manufactured-home-estates
CARPAV—Caravan and Residential Parks and Villages | Housing For The Aged Action Group
Cited text: CARPAV (Caravan and Residential Parks and Villages) operated between 2011 and 2017. The CARPAV working group is now operating under the new title- &#x...
Excerpt: CARPAV (Caravan and Residential Parks and Villages) operated between 2011 and 2017.
https://www.oldertenants.org.au/carpav-caravan-and-residential-parks-and-villages
Caravan parks under pressure as housing crisis worsens | The Grey Nomads | Travel & Holiday Information Australia : Road Trips, Caravans & Motorhomes
Cited text: I am one of those forced into nomadic caravan life due to an unexpected chronic health issue and disability not being enough to rent my own house for ...
Excerpt: One affected person shared: 'I am one of those forced into nomadic caravan life due to an unexpected chronic health issue and disability not being enough to rent my own house for the past 3 years.
https://www.thegreynomads.com.au/housing/
CARPAV—Caravan and Residential Parks and Villages | Housing For The Aged Action Group
Cited text: -Represent the rights of residents in caravan and residential parks and villages-Campaign for improvements to housing conditions for older people in c...
Excerpt: Advocacy groups are working to 'represent the rights of residents in caravan and residential parks and villages,' 'campaign for improvements to housing conditions for older people in caravan and residential parks and villages,' and are…
https://www.oldertenants.org.au/carpav-caravan-and-residential-parks-and-villages
Planning law changes for new caravan parks and manufactured home estates | Planning
Cited text: Outdated planning laws relating to caravan parks, manufactured home estates, camping grounds, and moveable dwellings are set for their first shake-up ...
Excerpt: outdated planning laws relating to caravan parks, manufactured home estates, camping grounds, and moveable dwellings are set for their first shake-up in 30 years.
https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/new...w-caravan-parks-and-manufactured-home-estates
Dicky Beach Holiday Park named in state’s top 10 family destinations | Sunshine Coast Council
Cited text: Dicky Beach Family Holiday Park has been named in Queensland’s Top 10 family holiday destinations.As well as the Dicky Beach Family Holiday Park, Suns...
Excerpt: Dicky Beach Family Holiday Park has been named in Queensland's Top 10 family holiday destinations.
https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.a...rk-named-in-states-top-10-family-destinations
Caravan park crisis: Seniors battle to keep their homes | YourLifeChoices
Cited text: Credit: Philip Schubert/Shutterstock · At its heart, this crisis is about more than legal technicalities—it’s about dignity, security, and the right t...
Excerpt: At its heart, this crisis is about more than legal technicalities—it's about dignity, security, and the right to age in place.
https://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/property/caravan-park-crisis-seniors-battle-to-keep-their-homes/
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