The values of some of the world’s most unique wild places are at risk under the Liberal’s plan to facilitate development in Tasmania’s National Parks and World Heritage Area, said Greens’ Parks and Tourism spokesperson Nick McKim MP.
“The Liberals have an irrational and ideological desire for development at any cost, and they simply cannot be trusted to safeguard the natural and cultural values of Tasmania’s National Parks.”
“While most Tasmanian tourism operators are very respectful of our environment, the white shoe brigade will be rubbing their hands together at the thought of a compliant government falling over itself to help them make money from National Parks.”
“National Parks belong to the people of Tasmania, and are created to protect and enhance natural and cultural values for the benefit of everyone including future generations.”
“And World Heritage Areas are created on behalf of all of humanity, not as a plaything for private companies to profiteer from.”
“This is part of an alarming pattern emerging from Liberal governments around the nation, who are eroding National Park protections and handing over the people’s parks to private developers and sectional interests.”
“The Liberals’ plan is not only stupid, but unnecessary. Tasmania has a tourism sector which is attracting visitors in record numbers, all without the kind of inappropriate development that the Liberals will encourage.”
“Last year Tasmania hosted over a million visitors, up 14% from the previous year, and visitor expenditure increased by 13% to over $1.5 billion.”
“There is simply no need for the Liberals’ proposal, particularly as it risks damaging the values which attract so many people to visit Tasmania in the first place,” Mr McKim said.
Nick McKim MP | Parks and Tourism spokesperson
