NSW Legislative Council report calls for new tourism operations in national parks

A NSW Legislative Council committee report on tourism is backing the expansion of private sector tourism initiatives in NSW National Parks among a range of potential reforms.

The General Purpose Standing Committee No. 3 Report 30, entitled 'Tourism in local communities' calls for the encouragment of tourism operations in national parks to enhance their attractiveness as visitor destinations and help support conservation efforts.

Pro development lobby group the Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) is already calling for the implementation of recommendations in the report, with Chief Executive Ken Morrison saying "the tourism industry would work with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the NSW government to ensure that any proposals are sensitive to their surroundings and do not reduce the conservation values of these special places.

"Tourism operations and conservation are not mutually exclusive and can co-exist to meet visitor expectations through improving access and the visitor experience, while helping achieve important conservation outcomes.

"If the natural amenity is compromised, that reduces the parks attractiveness as destinations and tourism operators know that inappropriate proposals will not be considered.

"Appropriate amenities that facilitate and enrich the visitor experience will allow more people to visit and encourage visitors to stay longer and explore further.

"For example, streamlining the operation of planning approvals within ski resorts could have great benefits for existing businesses and inspire new ventures in the area, as well as attracting additional visitation.

"This would create more job opportunities and help attract visitors to enjoy more of what our national parks have to offer.

"Importantly, any proposed tourism operations must adhere to existing guidelines that are in place to protect these valuable natural assets."

The report along with submissions, transcripts of evidence and other documents associated with the Inquiry can be viewed by clicking on the link below.

Since coming into power, the NSW Government has already allowed sporting shooters access to national parks in NSW.

Click here to read the NSW Parliament report.

22nd August 2013 - CONSERVATION AND TOURISM NOT MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE IN VICTORIA’S NATIONAL PARKS