The Hon Carmel Tebbutt                                                                  23 February  2009
Minister for the Environment

dp.office@tebbutt.minister.nsw.gov.au

Dear Ms Tebbutt

Our Association is concerned that the prime purpose of national parks may be degraded in an unnecessary move to encourage private investors.  Please don’t weaken the National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974 to permit private developments in national parks.  The management of all areas within national parks should remain in public hands and they should not become exclusive private enclaves.

National parks and wilderness areas were set aside to conserve nature and any development within them should be solely to provide facilities and structures that minimise the impact of visitors and interpret the areas.  Until now this has been done very effectively by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and we can see no reason to change.

Visitor numbers to national parks have grown dramatically in recent years and are projected to continue growing at a much faster rate than the State Plan visitor target envisages.  This is a bonus to local towns and businesses that already provide tourist accommodation and services outside the boundaries of national parks.

In our experience large scale commercial developments within national parks can be of minimal financial benefit to the government.  For example, we understand that a very long-term and generous lease arrangement is in place for Murramarang Resort, north of Batemans Bay.  We believe that that type of lease should never be used again anywhere in NSW.  It sets a dangerous precedent.

If the purpose of the proposed commercialisation is to raise money then measures such as parking fees and visitor charges, or improved policing of payment of such fees and charges are better ways to go.

Please keep all national park and wilderness areas in public hands.

Jenny Edwards
For the secretary