Published Tuesday, 05 June, 2007 at 03:11 PM
Minister for Environment and Multiculturalism
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
EPA TO INVEST $7 MILLION IN NATIONAL PARK MAINTENANCE
The Environmental Protection Agency will invest more than $7 million in 2007–2008 to maintain roads, tracks and other assets on Queensland’s national parks.
Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr announced the investment in visitor facilities and management as part of the 2007-08 State Budget.
Ms Nelson-Carr said highlights of the infrastructure maintenance program included $950,000 for walking tracks, $600,000 to upgrade ranger residences and $1.8 Million for road maintenance on parks.
“Through this initiative Queenslanders can expect safer facilities, improved access to parks and better protection of the natural values of parks and forests.
“Each year the Government has set aside substantial funds for the never-ending task of park maintenance.
“The complex task of prioritising maintenance is aided by an asset management system which helps the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service identify and quantify park maintenance requirements.
“The targeted maintenance program is one part of a broad program of improvements for parks in Queensland,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“Queensland’s national parks are one of the State’s most valuable assets, protecting important ecosystems and generating $1.3 billion annually for the economy through ecotourism.
“Approximately 16 million people visit our parks and forests each year.
“Infrastructure on the parks and forest estate in Queensland has been valued at more than $1.2 billion, including over 20,000 kilometres of roads and firebreaks, 134 camping areas and 129 day-use facilities.”
Media contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004 or Lisa Gilby 3336 8002
Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr announced the investment in visitor facilities and management as part of the 2007-08 State Budget.
Ms Nelson-Carr said highlights of the infrastructure maintenance program included $950,000 for walking tracks, $600,000 to upgrade ranger residences and $1.8 Million for road maintenance on parks.
“Through this initiative Queenslanders can expect safer facilities, improved access to parks and better protection of the natural values of parks and forests.
“Each year the Government has set aside substantial funds for the never-ending task of park maintenance.
“The complex task of prioritising maintenance is aided by an asset management system which helps the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service identify and quantify park maintenance requirements.
“The targeted maintenance program is one part of a broad program of improvements for parks in Queensland,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“Queensland’s national parks are one of the State’s most valuable assets, protecting important ecosystems and generating $1.3 billion annually for the economy through ecotourism.
“Approximately 16 million people visit our parks and forests each year.
“Infrastructure on the parks and forest estate in Queensland has been valued at more than $1.2 billion, including over 20,000 kilometres of roads and firebreaks, 134 camping areas and 129 day-use facilities.”
Media contact: Karla Steen 3336 8004 or Lisa Gilby 3336 8002