Most grey nomads are well aware of the shocking state of many of Australia’s iconic national parks … and it seems something might finally be done about it.
The Federal Government has announced it is to invest an extra $262.3 million in the 2023-24 Budget to address what it calls previous ‘chronic underfunding’.
It says national parks have been left with broken infrastructure, out-of-date equipment, and inadequate facilities.
And it warns that programs to protect threatened species and eradicate invasive species have also been woefully underfunded.
A badly weather-damaged sign in Kakadu PIC: DCCEEW
“These natural treasures should be a source of national pride, but instead they are falling apart,” said Tanya Plibersek, Minister for the Environment and Water. “At Kakadu, the Jim Jim rangers’ station roof is peeling off and there are broken or missing crocodile warning signs in the park; at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, roofing is falling apart on shelters designed to provide shade and protection from the harsh desert heat, and housing for staff is inadequate.”
The Government’s investment will address critical infrastructure needs, including updating unsafe equipment, fixing inadequate signage, providing essential ranger housing, and refurbishing rundown facilities like the Kakadu Aboriginal Cultural Centre.
It will also boost conservation activities and cultural heritage management.
“It’s about time that something was done about the state of some of our greatest parks,” said veteran traveller, Cynthia Anderson. “I’ve seen rotten handrails and wooden walkways, and some of the signage is woeful … you get the feeling that there’s a lack of love, and that is just unforgiveable.”
This new investment will create 110 new jobs.
The Commonwealth’s national parks include Booderee, Kakadu, Uluru-Kata Tjuta, and a network of 60 Marine Parks.
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No allocation of funds for many years.
Shortage of staff, vehicles and facilities to operate.
Most staff are office bound.
Most parks are over run with every species of feral animals, weeds and pests severely damaging the fragile environment.
Native animals displaced and disappearing at an alarming rate.
But you can’t walk a controlled dog on a leash.
I can find explore and camp in far more exciting and beautiful places than National “Parks”
Hear, hear, agree with you mate
I can remember when national parks had designated workers (not university graduates) who slashed, kept tracks and bridges etc in excellent condition and were generally seen around the park showing pride in their job.
Then the NPs became top heavy with decision makers and environmentalists who apparently didn’t want to get their hands dirty, hence the mess we are now left with.
It is good news about funding but can’t some of the money we pay to enter some parks be diverted to upkeep?
Love our NPs even thought I don’t there much as we are travelling with our dog.S
Thats very true Kitty..
but are u really Skary..??..
The Gimme Gimme mob are the ones that are running the show … So many of these national parks were outback stations and through the ” My Land” cry, these places have been handed over and now we are too support and repair this land..? These places that are calling out for money are some of the giggest money earners in the outback. We have been paying fees for many years too “The Rock” and over time we have been pushed further and further back..Kakadu is another. That soon after the land was given back it started too fall into neglect and disrepair… even though the parks fees increased..