Interest groups have their say in Nature Conservation Act review

The Newman Government is undertaking wide-ranging consultation with industry groups from across the state, as a review of Queensland’s Nature Conservation Act gets underway.

National Parks Minister Steve Dickson said discussions were underway with representatives of conservation groups and industry bodies from the tourism and resources sectors.

“An initial examination has identified a range of reforms to the Act which would increase access to national parks and other public lands for the enjoyment of all Queenslanders, as well as streamline management by reducing red tape,” Mr Dickson said.

“An important part of this process is sitting down with the key interest groups to ensure that their issues are appropriately addressed.

“Their feedback will inform future policy and legislative directions as we work to make our national parks more accessible while at the same time ensuring their environmental values are appropriately managed.”

Mr Dickson said the government was committed to simplifying regulatory processes, including the introduction of a 50 per cent reduction in permit classes for access to national parks.

Key issues addressed through the review include:

    ·         Reviewing the management framework for protected area tenures;

    ·         Identifying opportunities for red tape reduction including:

            o   Permit streamlining for tourism and recreation access

            o   Streamlining protected area management planning processes;

            o   Streamlining the protected plants legislative framework.

Mr Dickson said the Newman Government was committed to opening up the state’s National Parks for all Queensland residents and visitors to enjoy.

“Eco-tourism is a major part of our plan for growing the tourism pillar of Queensland’s economy, which is why we are working to increase certainty and opportunity for operators across our national park estate.

"For too long, the ecotourism industry in Queensland has been choked by legislative red tape, while other naturally beautiful regions including Tasmania and New Zealand have forged ahead in creating multi-billion dollar industries to benefit their local economies.”

[ENDS] November 29, 2012
Media Contact: Anna Hilton 0408 191 192