Residential parks discussion paper released

07-November-2011

Member for Port Stephens Craig Baumann has urged the community to make comment on a new discussion paper which outlines ways to improve the operation of residential parks.

Mr Baumann said the paper, released by the Minister for Fair Trading Anthony Roberts, looks at several ways to help strengthen and grow the residential parks sector, including options for licensing park operators, education for new operators and better ways to resolve disputes about rent increases.

"Residential parks provide an affordable housing choice for many people, who develop strong, valuable networks of support within their park," he said.

“It is vital that effective laws are in place setting out clear and balanced rights and obligations for residents and park operators."

“The discussion paper honours our election commitment to residential park residents to carry out a full review of the Residential Parks Act 1998 and improve the governance of the residential parks industry”.

“The NSW Government has listened to concerns at the grass roots level and will make sure the real issues affecting park residents and operators are addressed by this review,” Mr Baumann said.

The discussion paper is available online at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au or by calling 13 32 20. Comments can be lodged directly online, by returning the submission form at the back of the paper, or by sending a submission to NSW Fair Trading.

The deadline for providing comments on the discussion paper is Wednesday, 29th February 2012.

“I encourage all park owners and residents in Port Stephens to make the most of this opportunity to have their say on how the law regulating residential parks could be improved,” Mr Baumann said.