Caravan park fund closed as bill climbs

Ex-tropical low may redevelop as community groups take stock of weather damage

THE owners of the BIG 4 Cairns Crystal Cascades Holiday Park are hoping insurance will help relieve them of the enormous damages bill caused by ex-Cyclone Nora.

On Monday, March 26, Phil and Bronwyn Drayton awoke to find their caravan park business devastated by flash flooding.

The park, which had 49 people on-site at the time, was virtually destroyed.

When it seemed as if insurance might not be able to help, the Draytons opened up a crowd-funding page on Chuffed to help repair some of the damage.

However, a second assessment from the insurance company has left them feeling more optimistic, and the couple decided to close the page.

“It just wouldn’t feel right, taking people’s money,” Mr Drayton said.

Before it closed, the page showed about $3200 had been raised towards a $100,000 target.

However, costs have only climbed higher, with the latest repair bill estimated at over $1 million.

“Twenty-two cabins have been completely written off,” Mr Drayton said.

“Just the 48 aircons alone were worth a thousand each, plus labour.”

It’s been a stressful time for the family, who have owned and operated the caravan park since 1995.

“The park’s looking better. We’ve mowed all the lawns and cleared the debris. The big issue is the accommodation and the structures,” Mr Drayton said.

“It’s stressful for all of us. You work so hard for 23 years only to have it all ripped out from under you.”

The Draytons are hoping to hear back from the insurance company by the end of the week. CHECK WEBSITE FOR TIMES AND COSTS