Concerns over changes to National Parks laws grows
Monday, March 16th, 2009Public opposition is growing to proposed changes to National Parks laws that will allow new commercial accommodation in national parks. This follows a public meeting of leading environmental activists in Sydney last month and similar public meetings across the state in the last three months.
The changes to the National Parks and Wildlife Act were agreed by Government when they adopted a report by a task force on tourism and national parks in December last year.
Legislation is expected in the next session of Parliament to weaken both the National Parks and Wildlife Act and the Wilderness Act.
Public meetings have been held so far in Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie, Wentworth Falls, Bermagui and Canberra and six other locations in Sydney.
All of the meetings unanimously supported resolutions calling for no new private accommodation in national parks and instead supported public investment in national parks with accommodation provided in nearby towns and nearby private lands.
At the most recent meeting in Sydney, the speakers debunked the argument that new commercial development in national parks is needed to fund park management or to significantly increase visitor numbers.
“We are determined to stop the weakening of the national park laws”, said Keith Muir.
“There is a growing band of activists who have pledged to organise further action against the changes to the laws.”
“What we want instead is public investment in good walking tracks near major vehicle and public transport access points, rangers on the ground to assist with enhancing the nature experience and basic visitor infrastructure . , said Andrew Cox, executive officer of the National Parks Association ”
“If our national parks offer good experiences and you provide access and promotion to key sights then the people will follow, whether they are local visitors or international tourists.”
“This way the surrounding towns and their businesses with their ready-to-go infrastructure can also share the benefits, without development of national parks.
“There is a growing band of activists who have pledged to organise further action against the changes to the laws.”
The resolution passed unanimously in Sydney last night is below.