NATIONAL PARK FEE RISE AND JOB CUTS CONFIRMED

Greens’ Release Consultative Committee Report

The Tasmanian Greens today accused the Bartlett Government of dissembling over the issue of job cuts and fee hikes in Tasmania’s National Parks, following the release of a leaked World Heritage Area Consultative Committee (WHACC) report that confirms fears raised by the Greens last week.

Greens Environment spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP said the Greens have obtained a copy of the WHACC General Manager PWS Report (attached) which confirms that National Park fees are to be raised, that 30 jobs are to be lost, and that accessibility and services inside the Parks are to be reduced.

Ms O’Connor also pointed out that Tasmania’s tourism sector is currently performing well and bucking a national decline in visitation numbers, and that the Tourism Industry Council of Tasmania believes this is most likely due to Tasmania’s reputation as a “premier natural destination,” a reputation that has been built around Tasmania’s National Parks.

“Despite the deafening silence of the Bartlett Government over this issue the cat is now out of the bag and we now know that they are planning to cut jobs, increase fees, and reduce services in Tasmania’s National Parks,” said Ms O’Connor.

“Tasmania’s tourism sector is heavily reliant on our beautiful Parks and this decision threatens to kill the goose that continues to lay the golden eggs for Tasmanian tourism operators and workers.”

“Successive Labor and Liberal State Governments have gouged the Parks and Wildlife budget to the bone. There is no more fat left in this area, and this latest round of budget cuts will have serious ramifications for our Parks.”

“The Bartlett Government have been less than upfront about their plans for our National Parks, and I am calling on them to acknowledge the damage they are doing to Tasmania’s National Parks, as well as the tourism industry that relies so heavily on those same Parks,” said Ms O’Connor.
Cassy O’Connor MP Greens Parks Spokesperson