Victoria opens parks for hotels
says it has no confidence in the state government’s guidelines for development in national parks.
In a bid to cash in on the lucrative eco-tourism market, the Victorian government has released rules that would allow development in some national parks.
Victoria Tourism Industry Council chief executive Dianne Smith said the state had more national park visitors than other states but received the lowest economic return.
“This is largely due to the lack of appropriate infrastructure and experiences available to visitors,” she said. “By allowing appropriate investment, these guidelines will make our national parks more accessible for locals and visitors.”
The developments would have to be sensitive to their setting and provide social and economic benefits to the community.
Environment minister Ryan Smith said the government would initiate some developments and soon call for expressions of interest in Point Nepean on the tip of the Mornington Peninsula. The government is also considering upgrading facilities at Mount Buffalo in the state’s alpine high country
Victorian National Parks Association executive director Matt Ruchel said developers should stay out of national parks. “Commercial developments should be outside national parks, not inside,” he said.
“They’re for nature conservation, recreation and respite, not property development.”
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