A new Master Plan for tourism in the Kakadu National Park has been released for public comment by Parks Australia.
Minister for the Environment, Sussan Ley said the Master Plan outlined bold and creative ideas to support Indigenous employment and businesses, new and upgraded visitor infrastructure and opportunities for private investment.
She said it had been developed in consultation with Traditional Owners and included proposals for new visitor services hubs; a World Heritage Visitor Centre; ecolodges, a family holiday park and safari camps, adventure tourism, wellness retreats and luxury river cruises.
Also included were a Cultural Centre; new mountain biking trails; upgrades to viewing boardwalks at world-class rock art sites and upgrades to campgrounds.
Ms Ley said the Master Plan was commissioned as part of the $216 million Growing Tourism in Kakadu project which supported road and tourism infrastructure upgrades, and the transition of Jabiru Township to a tourism hub.
“This is a landmark strategy to reinvigorate one of Australia’s national treasures and we welcome public comment,” Ms Ley said.
Senator for the Northern Territory, Sam McMahon said the plan underlined the importance of Kakadu on the national and world stage.
“Kakadu is an amazing place and it plays a key role in the local and national economy,” Senator McMahon said.
“The release of the draft plan is a really positive achievement during a year of great challenges for the tourism industry and we’re fully committed to getting on with the job of growing tourism in Kakadu.”
Comment on the Master Plan can be made at this PS News link and closes on 6 November.
