The Ministers for the environment, tourism and regional development have announced a new program to upgrade and improve Australia’s Commonwealth National Parks.
Minister for the Environment, Sussan Ley said more than $233 million would be injected into tourism and other infrastructure, with major upgrades to take place at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Kakadu National Park, Booderee National Park and Christmas Island National Park.
“New and improved infrastructure means more tourism, more jobs and better outcomes for Australians living in regional and remote areas, which is vital as we move through the economic challenges of COVID,” Ms Ley said.
“This is an unprecedented funding injection for Parks Australia which has been planned over recent months to attract more visitors while providing jobs, improved accommodation and better facilities for staff and Traditional Owners,” she said.
“These parks are the greatest showcase of our unique natural environment – from the red rocks of Uluru-Kata Tjuta to the wetlands of Kakadu and the crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches in Booderee.”
Ms Ley said Uluru-Kata Tjuta would receive major upgrades to the cultural centre, renewal of walking tracks and viewing platforms, upgrades to shelters and water stations at visitor sites, as well as $51 million in infrastructure upgrades for the Muṯitjulu community.
She said Kakadu National Park would receive upgrades to campgrounds, road repairs, improvements to the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre and improved staff housing.
Minister for Tourism, Senator Simon Birmingham said tourism was the lifeblood of many of the communities in and around the parks, and it was critical that economic activity be boosted to helping attract more people to the regions
Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, Nola Marino said the announcement showed how important National Parks were to the people living in Australia’s Territories.
“Tourism is a vital part of the economy for our Territories and this announcement means significant investment in that sector,” Mrs Marino said.
