Pleas for help to save Lorne trampoline park unanswered

Operators of a much-loved tourist attraction have still not been able to secure public liability insurance despite pleading for assistance from the state government.

Operators of a much-loved tourist attraction have still not been able to secure public liability insurance despite pleading for assistance from the state government.

Lorne Sea Baths operators Kathy and Andrews Landos were forced to close their beachside trampoline park in December when its existing public liability insurance lapsed.

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority has been working closely with the Landos’ to try and secure insurance with no success.

The authority has contacted more than 30 potential insurers, but so far all have declined to insure the business.

Lorne Trampolines is closed because of insurance problems. Picture: Alison Wynd

The couple is calling for Finance Minister Tim Pallas to offer a lifeline by requesting the state insurer provide short-term insurance until a long-term resolution is found.

A petition calling for the crown land site to be temporarily insured by the Victorian Managed Insurance Agency has attracted more than 3239 signatures.

But so far Ms Landos said the pleas for help seem to have fallen on deaf ears.

“The season is ticking on and we are losing business,” Ms Landos said.

“50 per cent of our revenue is not there.”

Ms Landos said she had heard “nothing at all” from Mr Pallas.

“We would have hoped that they would have reached out to us in some way, shape or forms and that if there is an official channel to make a request for help we would be notified.”

GORCAPA chairwoman Libby Mears said the authority would continue to support the operators to find insurance.

“The business has recently been unable to secure an extension to their public liability insurance for their trampolines and have had to close this arm of their business as a result,” Ms Mears said.

“This is a widespread insurance industry issue and is not specific to Lorne.”

Lorne Sea Baths operator Kathy Landos is disappointed Lorne Trampolines is closed because of insurance problems. Picture: Alison Wynd

Ms Mears said GORCAPA was “actively” supporting the Landos’ pursuit of an insurer through its insurance broker.

“We will continue to work with Kathy and Andrew to explore other options,” Ms Landos said.

“We know the trampolines play a special part in the fun and experience of visitors to Lorne and the local Great Ocean Road communities.

“They are much loved, and we are hopeful that a solution will be found.”

The state government said the VMIA only provides insurance to the private market in limited circumstances.

“The Victorian government is working with the operators of the Lorne Trampoline Park regarding the business’s insurance requirements,” a spokeswoman said.

Originally published as Pleas for help to save Lorne trampoline park unanswered