A popular family-run Augusta business has been forced to remove a key attraction from its public entertainment offerings after a spate of worldwide personal injury claims has led to insurance companies refusing to cover small operators.
According to Augusta Mini Golf co-owner Belinda Robinson, the decision to remove the venue’s perennial favourite trampolines was a heartbreaking one.
"There have been trampolines here since 1970,” said Mrs Robinson, who has owned and operated the business for four years alongside husband Justin.
“Unfortunately with the rise in popularity of the larger scale trampoline centres, where many serious injuries have occurred, it has made it impossible for us to secure insurance for our smaller business.” she said.
“We have gone through six different insurance brokers who have all looked for solutions to the problem, but the only insurance companies offering coverage are looking at venues that turn over more than $300,000 a year, which is well out of the scope of a country town amusement centre.”
The family-friendly attraction has been a well loved hotspot for locals and visitors to the town, particularly during the summer months, and Mrs Robinson said it was too early to predict the impact of the removal.
“We’re really sad to be having to tell people that they are no longer available, we have a lot of visitors who have been holidaying in Augusta for decades and have brought their kids and grandkids back to jump and play, only to find they can no longer do that.”
Mrs Robinson said the couple contacted other operators of similarly sized parks around the country, hoping to establish a community insurance policy. She said a lot of those centres had now closed.
“These multi million dollar permanent disability lawsuits have closed off the option for operators to provide a safe trampoline environment,” Mrs Robinson said.
“We had four trampolines, and it’s nothing like the big, indoor trampolining places – we held strict 10 minute bounce sessions with one jumper at a time, with very little risk of accidents.”
Facing a future without a large part of their business, the Robinsons are now looking at other options for their patrons.
The business still offers mini golf, table tennis, air hockey, pool tables and arcade games to cater to the town’s young and young at heart.
“We are open to ideas for new attractions or activities, and we would like to hear from people with suggestions – but again, it all comes down to that insurance,” she said.
To find out what’s on at Augusta Mini Golf visit www.facebook.com/augustaminigolfwesternaustralia
Nicky Lefebvre
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
