Media Release 10 June
2010
Bill passed to allow elite tourist accommodation and facilities in
National Parks
Legislation passed late last night by the NSW Upper House will see some
of the State’s most iconic national parks subject to commercial tourist
facilities for the elite end of the tourist market at the expense of the
general public and environment, the NSW Greens said tonight.
“The passing of this legislation with the support of the Opposition
threatens the integrity of our National Park estate by allowing areas
within the boundaries of National Parks to be developed,” said NSW
Greens MP Ian Cohen.
“The Government is keen to adopt the Tourism and Transport Forum’s
‘high yield, low volume’ approach to visitors to National Parks which
could see elite tourist resorts built in some of our most precious
natural areas.
“This Bill will now make it easier for the public to be excluded from
some parts of National Parks with private operators being granted
‘exclusive access’.
‘The Government is sending a clear message to the public about the
future enjoyment of some National Parks – if you can’t pay, stay away.
“With commercial development comes associated infrastructure such as
powerlines, roads and waste services. These all have an impact on the
biodiversity values that National Parks are there to protect.
“This legislation has been driven by the bureaucracy in its effort to
meet performance measures pertaining to increased numbers of visitors to
our National Parks.
“Allowing elite tourist resorts in National Parks is not the way to get
more people to enjoy them. Investing in basic park infrastructure and
upgrades and marketing their natural values is.
“More people appreciating the beauty of the State’s National Parks is a
great thing, but not if it’s at the expense of the nature with the Parks
itself,” said Mr Cohen.
Further Information: Cate Faehrmann 0412 207 043
Cate Faehrmann
Adviser
Greens MLC Ian Cohen
NSW Parliament
Macquarie St
SYDNEY NSW 2000