The housing crisis is pushing families to the brink, and caravan park owners in Western Australia's South West are feeling the strain like never before. Imagine being the last line of defense against homelessness, only to have to turn desperate families away. This is the harsh reality for many caravan park operators, who are now at the epicenter of a growing social crisis.
But here's where it gets even more heartbreaking: these parks, once synonymous with holiday getaways, are now a lifeline for those with nowhere else to go. Owners like Greg Homer, who runs the Waterloo Village Caravan Park near Bunbury, are grappling with an unprecedented demand for accommodation. Since 2011, Homer and his family have managed the park, finding fulfillment in providing a service to travelers. However, the current situation is overwhelming. 'Our phone doesn’t stop ringing,' Homer shares, 'and we’ve had people in tears at our front counter, returning multiple times a day, pleading for a place to stay.'
And this is the part most people miss: the emotional toll on both sides. Homer describes families with young children begging to pitch a tent anywhere on his property, just to avoid sleeping in their car. 'It’s gut-wrenching to have to say no,' he admits. This shift in caravan park culture, driven by a severe housing shortage, has transformed these spaces into last resorts for the vulnerable.
But here's the controversial part: while caravan parks are among the most affordable housing options, the influx of long-term residents is changing their dynamics. Kylie Holt, who has lived in a converted school bus with her family for five years, notes a significant increase in permanent residents. 'In the last three years, the number of families here has doubled,' she says. From young mothers to widowed pensioners, the diversity of those seeking long-term stays is striking. Is this the new normal, or a temporary fix for a deeper systemic issue?
The statistics are alarming: the South West saw a 62.9% increase in homelessness between 2016 and 2021, the second-largest rise in the state. Angela Kaitsioukas, a caravan park manager, is struggling with the transition from hosting holidaymakers to managing long-term tenants. 'Anti-social behavior has become a real concern,' she explains, revealing that she now keeps pepper spray in her office for safety. 'We’ve even received fake police clearances,' she adds, highlighting the desperation some face. Should caravan parks be forced to adapt to this new role, or is it time for policymakers to step in?
Anglicare CEO Mark Glasson warns that even this safety net is fraying. 'Caravan parks, once an emergency valve, are now out of reach for many,' he says. With spaces filled, more people are sleeping rough, in cars, or in tents. Is this the future we want, or is there a better way to address the housing crisis?
This situation raises critical questions: Are caravan parks the solution, or just a band-aid on a gaping wound? How can we balance the needs of vulnerable families with the original purpose of these parks? And what role should governments play in preventing this crisis from worsening? Share your thoughts below—let’s spark a conversation that could lead to real change.
