The Bartlett Government must reveal whether they plan to slug National Parks users with higher fees.
Parks Minister Michelle O’Byrne has a very poor record in this portfolio. For example, she has cut services in the Ben Lomond National Park and has also neglected popular state reserves.
An example of lack of resources is that the lookout at The Nut at Stanley actually had to be closed because it became dangerous to visitors.
And at the same time the Premier has announced a new national park at the Bay of Fires, but not one dollar to establish it. More spin without substance.
Our national parks are the shop window of Tasmania. They are world renown and a major reason many tourists choose our State as a destination.
This State Government must come clean on whether it is going to cut National Parks and Wildlife rangers and other field staff.
Apart from being a major tourist draw card, our national parks are part of our lifestyle and they must be protected and properly resourced.
Sue Napier MP, Shadow Minister for the Environment
