Resorts likely in QLD national parks
The Queensland government is to introduce 30-year leases for eco-resort developments in the state’s national parks.
A spokesperson for national parks minister Steve Dickson said the department was conducting a review of the Nature Conservation Act. “Part of this will include the option of 30-year leases for development of eco-tourism facilities,” she said.
The government is set to abandon the “cardinal principle” that determines national parks receive the highest protection of all land classes as enacted by a conservative government more than 50 years ago.
National Parks Association executive director Paul Donatiu said, the cardinal principle was embodied in the Queensland Biodiversity Strategy, the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Master Plan and underpinned every management decision. He said the cardinal principle was already being eroded and gave recreational enthusiasts free rein to damage parks.
Mr Dickson’s spokesperson said, “For too long, eco-tourism has been choked by legislative red tape, while other naturally beautiful regions including Tasmania and New Zealand have forged ahead in creating multibillion-dollar industries.”
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