Uluru Management Plan Needs Partnership Approach

Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry must be a key driver of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park management plan, according to peak industry body, Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF).

TTF Managing Director Christopher Brown said a management plan for the park must take a partnership approach.

“Preservation of the Uluru site must be sensitive to the needs of the traditional owners,” Brown explained, adding “while also taking into account the contribution tourism makes to the region.

“Ensuring the long-term sustainability of Uluru-Kata Tjuta is vital to protect jobs, many of which are held by local indigenous people.

“TTF is encouraging wide consultation with the industry so that the final management plan mutually benefits the traditional owners, local indigenous communities and the tourism industry.”

Brown said tourism operators need certainty.

“The new management plan must be considered in a broader context, as any changes will impact on the tourism industry generally, not just those operators in the immediate vicinity of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

“The industry needs to be given time and assistance to develop new interactive experiences which expand the Park’s tourism offering.

“We’re calling for Federal funding for an adjustment package to allow this to happen, while also calling for a commitment to give tourism operators as much notice as possible of any changes.

“Uluru is a key driver of tourism visitation to the Northern Territory, which contributes almost $1 billion to the Territory’s gross state product.”