Addressing a Legacy of Neglect

Australia's national parks have faced serious challenges due to chronic underfunding. "These natural treasures should be a source of national pride, but instead they are falling apart," Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said. "We've got parts of our Commonwealth national parks that were closed to visitors because they weren't safe to visit."

The consequences of this neglect extend beyond visitor experiences to conservation outcomes. In a stark reminder of the stakes involved, two of Australia's most recent extinctions occurred within national parks.

A Comprehensive Renewal Program

The government's investment addresses several critical needs across Australia's national parks system:

• Repairing crucial infrastructure including deteriorating buildings and outdated safety signage

• Providing essential housing for rangers working in remote locations

• Enhancing visitor facilities to improve accessibility and safety

• Strengthening conservation activities to protect threatened species

• Supporting cultural heritage management in partnership with Traditional Owners

• Creating a new National Seed Bank at the Australian National Botanic Gardens

Creating Jobs and Supporting Communities

This investment will create 110 new jobs, with a significant portion designated for Traditional Owners to work on Country. These positions will help ensure visitor safety, deliver major infrastructure projects, and advance conservation programs.

"A lot of these jobs are in remote locations and national parks already have 30 per cent Indigenous staff," Minister Plibersek noted. "These are good, full-time, permanent jobs for traditional owners managing their own country."

Economic Benefits Through Tourism

The investment in national parks is expected to yield economic benefits through increased tourism. Margy Osmond, chief executive of the Tourism and Transport Forum Australia, welcomed the commitment, noting that "since the pandemic, more travellers are seeking out nature-based experiences."

By restoring these natural treasures to their proper condition, Australia stands to attract more domestic and international visitors while ensuring these precious places can be enjoyed by generations to come.

[1] https://minister.dcceew.gov.au/plibersek/media-releases/restoring-our-precious-national-parks-after-decade-neglect

[2] https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8172186/iconic-national-parks-to-get-262-million-budget-boost/

[3] https://www.themandarin.com.au/218462-environment-minister-pledges-262-3-million-for-national-parks/