Stimulus boost for Queensland national parks welcomed, but more needed

PRESS RELEASE - 

The Queensland Conservation Council (QCC) welcomes the Palaszczuk government’s announcement to boost national park funding by $8.9m to enhance nature based tourism, while looking forward to further announcements on further conservation stimulus initiatives. 

“National parks are central to Queensland’s tourism industry, so it’s good to see this recognised with investment.“ said Andrew Picone, Protected Areas Program Coordinator for QCC.

“However, Queensland’s national parks generate $2.6 billion in visitor spending, supporting over 17,000 jobs across the State.”  

“Today’s announcement doesn't reflect the value of national parks to our recovering economy, our well being or the values the parks were created for.” said Picone. 

“The long-term recovery of Queensland’s economy requires a re-evaluation of the benefits of our natural heritage, commensurate with the economic value of national parks and threats caused by climate change, invasive species and increasing fire risk. An increase of a further $56 million per year for the management of National Parks will boost the on-ground workforce and protect our natural and cultural heritage.” said Picone.

“From Cape York to Springbrook, Queensland has some of the world's most significant natural and cultural values in our national parks. We should be playing to our strengths and substantially boosting funding for the management of those values, while supporting economic recovery through tourism.” said Picone.

“Increasing funding for management of our existing national parks creates more jobs for Park Rangers and land managers” said Picone. 

Further reading: Lost Opportunities for new national parks in Queensland.