Queensland to open national parks to tourism?

A proposal to open up Queensland national parks for eco-tourism development will take away from conservation priorities and ruin the natural experience for generations to come, according to critics.

Commenting on Queensland Government plans to allow sustainable tourism development in national parks, National Parks Association of Queensland Executive Director Paul Donatiu warned changes to existing legislation reform would have a long-term impact and would be "to the detriment of the surrounding natural landscape.

"This level of infrastructure is not consistent with the role and value national parks play in our society."

Donatiu argued allowing eco-tourism in national parks would be a blow to regional economies, which sit on the fringe of national parks and thrive on visiting tourists, adding that the parks should be protected for future generations and "our children".

Sunshine Coast and Hinterland Wildlife Preservation Society argued there was plenty of room for tourism facilities in close proximity to national parks.

In a written submission on the proposed changes the Society wrote "we maintain that any tourism facility in a national park will result in a significant change to the land's natural condition, by the very fact of the construction of the facility and the ongoing impact of its services on the surrounding areas."

The Queensland Parliament Health and Community Services Committee is considering the Nature Conservation and other Legislation Amendment Bill, which will make changes to the state's national parks laws.

Professor Ralf Buckley from Griffith University's International Centre for Ecotourism Research argued the bill's aim to drive Queensland tourism would not be served through allowing private tourism development in public parks.

Professor Buckley's written submission suggested "to boost park-based tourism, the best approach is public investment in maintaining trails, lookouts, toilets and signage in national parks, and private investment in accommodation on adjacent private land."

The Committee has received 75 submissions so far from individuals and organisations, including Ecotourism Australia.

Ecotourism Australia urged that provisions be put in place to allow for an unused eco-tourism facility to be re-used or removed and land rehabilitated in the future.

The Queensland Tourism Industry Council has thrown their support behind the law reform as it supports an action plan drawn up between Queensland tourism operators and the Queensland Government last year.

3rd December 2009 - ACCOMMODATION PLANS FOR QUEENSLAND NATIONAL PARKS