The Tasmanian Government has just announced its budget … and it has set aside an additional $8 million for national parks and reserves.
The money will be spent on the redevelopment, refurbishment and replacement of high priority infrastructure including signage and interpretation, walking and multi-use tracks, roads, fire trails, amenities and car parking.
“Having the right infrastructure is vitally important for enhancing visitor experience, as well as facilitating good management outcomes such as improving visitor safety and providing additional protection to sensitive values,” Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage Matthew Groom told the ABC.
The extra funding was welcomed by tourism authorities, which said Tasmania’s natural environment was one of the state’s most significant tourism assets.
“Over 37% of international and interstate travellers to Tasmania visited one of our national parks in 2014 and nearly 50% participated in bushwalking and other walks,” said Melinda Anderson from Destination Southern Tasmania. “Accessible nature and wilderness is a key driver for visitors to Tasmania and we need to ensure the experiences we offer our world class.”
The ABC reports that the additional funding has been made available against a backdrop of funding cuts to the Parks and Widlife Service. Unions claim about 30 jobs are set to go as the service tries to achieve a $2.5 million savings target, but the Government says only about eight jobs will go.
