AFTER 45 years of coastal bouncing, Lorne’s outdoor trampolines are facing permanent shutdown.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The business has previously “jumped through the insurer’s hoops” to ensure the trampolines would continue to operate, including implementing waivers and QR codes.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
In 24 hours, the petition has received more than 1,000 signatures towards its goal of 1,500.<\/p>\n
Lorne’s foreshore trampolines are another casualty in the industry since 2018, when it was first reported the underwriter for trampolines had walked away.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Lorne Sea Baths chief financial officer Kath Landos started the change.org petition at the weekend.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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”.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
GORCPA has since helped to identify options, including looking at 28 insurance companies and supporting discussions with VMIA.<\/p>\n
Ms Mears said GORCPA’s insurance with VMIA could only be extended to cover the trampolines at the Treasurer’s request.<\/p>\n
“GORCPA’S insurance covers services and activities that we directly manage, but with the state government’s authority it can be extended.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“This is a really challenging issue Australia-wide, which is really sad,” she said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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” […]<\/p>\n