Bounced out of business

AFTER 45 years of coastal bouncing, Lorne’s outdoor trampolines are facing permanent shutdown.

The foreshore trampolines at Lorne Sea Baths have been beloved by many families over the years and a popular tradition for generations, but without insurance the park has entered into a forced closure.

The business has previously “jumped through the insurer’s hoops” to ensure the trampolines would continue to operate, including implementing waivers and QR codes.

Despite this, the trampolines are now closed, but a petition is quickly gaining community support with the aim of getting the state government’s attention.

In 24 hours, the petition has received more than 1,000 signatures towards its goal of 1,500.

Lorne’s foreshore trampolines are another casualty in the industry since 2018, when it was first reported the underwriter for trampolines had walked away.

As trampoline businesses took off across the nation, insurance claims were deemed to be too expensive and many brokers no longer offered to renew policies.

Australia previously had more trampoline centres per capita than any other country, but with an inability to get coverage, businesses have been forced to shut down.

The Lorne trampolines are located on Crown land and could fall under the Victorian Managed Insurance Authority (VMIA) at the request of state Treasurer Tim Pallas.

Lorne Sea Baths chief financial officer Kath Landos started the change.org petition at the weekend.

She wrote that after a year of COVID-19 closures, a temporary lifeline from Mr Pallas would allow the business to weigh up options during a less chaotic time of year.

Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCPA) chair Libby Mears said the authority had worked closely with Ms Landos to build a strong supportive relationship for an “important business”.

“In late November, we were made aware that Kath and Andrew were having trouble getting insurance coverage and that they would be closed as of December 7.”

GORCPA has since helped to identify options, including looking at 28 insurance companies and supporting discussions with VMIA.

Ms Mears said GORCPA’s insurance with VMIA could only be extended to cover the trampolines at the Treasurer’s request.

“GORCPA’S insurance covers services and activities that we directly manage, but with the state government’s authority it can be extended.”

Ms Mears said the world had become more aware of risks and the associated costs, but GORCPA would continue to support the business and their discussions with the state government.

“This is a really challenging issue Australia-wide, which is really sad,” she said.