Parks Amendment Promotes and Protects

New South Wales' national parks and regional tourism will both benefit from the passing of the National Parks & Wildlife Amendment (Visitors and Tourists) Bill 2010 through the NSW Parliament overnight, according to peak industry body, Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF).
TTF Executive Director Brett Gale said the legislation further enhances protections for the natural estate.
âThis is a sensible move which will help to increase visitation to national parks,�? Mr Gale said, âwhile at the same time protecting them from inappropriate development.�?
âIt will clarify the types of visitor facilities that are allowed in national parks and further strengthen the restrictions on what tourism activities are acceptable.
âFar from threatening the natural estate, it further enshrines in law vital conservation requirements.
âOnly structures of an appropriate type and scale which âtread lightlyâ are permissible, while a share of profits from any commercial partner will be reinvested in park infrastructure and management.
âPreserving the natural amenity of national parks is crucial to maintaining their desirability to visitors which puts conservation at the forefront of the tourism industryâs considerations.
âThe ethos is intrinsically one of conservation and environmental awareness, underwritten by the reality that the natural assets are the primary attraction.
âThe tourism industry welcomes the passing of this bill and looks forward to helping the NSW Government achieve its aim of a 20 per cent increase in visitation to national parks by 2016.�?