Managing risks in your park: Insights from the CRP Vic Conference 

19 September 2025

Article by Mark Shipton – Accreditation Programs Manager 

In late August, I had the privilege of joining a panel discussion at the Caravan & Residential Parks Victoria Conference. 

Under the theme “Managing Risks in Your Park,” I was joined on the panel by two highly respected industry colleagues, Julie Pernecker from All Parks Insurance – the winner of the 2025 Eric Hayman OAM Award for Excellence – and David Walker from Project Green Group. 

Together, we tackled important issues that directly impact the safety, insurability and long-term sustainability of caravan holiday parks. Many of these issues are commonly identified during park audits. 

The session was dynamic and informative, with some great questions from the audience – the majority of whom were park owners, operators and managers. 

Below, I’ve shared some of the key themes from our discussion and the practical advice we shared. 

Tree management – Getting the right expertise 

One of the key questions from the floor was around best practice in tree management within caravan holiday parks. 

Trees are a beautiful part of many parks, but they also represent a significant risk if not properly managed. 

We strongly recommended that park operators engage the services of a Level 5 arborist – the highest qualification in this field. Even better, look for an arborist who can offer an end-to-end solution, from the initial audit right through to the ongoing maintenance and management plan. 

This approach ensures a consistent, qualified process and gives operators confidence that their tree risk is being handled proactively. 

Asset maintenance – Don’t cut corners 

Insurance providers and auditors consistently find that poorly maintained assets are a top contributor to park-related claims. 

The panel emphasised the importance of regular and documented maintenance of all park facilities, particularly in relation to these common risk points: 

  • Cabins – Ensure there is no rotted timber, loose railings or damaged stairs, particularly around decking areas. 
  • Amenities blocks – Conduct slip testing to Australian Standards in wet areas where slips and falls are common. 
  • Swimming pools – Ensure depth markers are clearly visible around pools. This has become especially important due to recent injury claims involving guests diving into shallow ends. 

High-risk areas – Pay attention 

Recreational facilities bring joy to guests, but they also carry heightened risk. Areas like playgrounds, pools, water parks, and inflatable pillows require close attention. 

We reminded operators to: 

  • Inspect soft fall areas regularly, especially areas where a fall from height may occur, to ensure compliance and effectiveness. 
  • Conduct daily inspections of pool fencing and gates. Gates must auto close without fail. 
  • Keep detailed records of inspections and any maintenance work. 

Key takeaways 

To wrap up the session, we summarised a few practical actions every park operator should consider implementing: 

  • Conduct regular risk assessments, especially in high-risk zones. Be methodical in your evaluations. 
  • Create and maintain a documented maintenance schedule. This can support you in the event of an insurance claim or legal matter. 
  • Use qualified, licensed professionals for risk-critical work – cutting corners can cost you far more in the long run. 

Final thoughts 

Risk management is not just about meeting standards – it’s about creating a safe, enjoyable environment for your guests and staff, and protecting the longevity of your business. 

It was a pleasure to share the stage with Julie and David, and I hope those who attended the session walked away with useful insights and a renewed focus on risk management. 

Thanks also to Caravan & Residential Parks Victoria, and congratulations on delivering such a professional and impactful event.