Extra park rangers ready to meet and greet Games visitors

Queensland’s beautiful National Parks around the Gold Coast region will be ready for an influx of visitors during the Commonwealth Games, with extra rangers being deployed to help cater for larger crowds.

Minister for Environment Leeanne Enoch said extra rangers would be positioned along popular walking tracks and at lookouts, campgrounds and visitor centres at iconic Gold Coast national parks.

“We expect April to be a very busy time for our Gold Coast park rangers due to the increase in visitors to the area as a result of the Commonwealth Games,” Ms Enoch said.

“Because of this, we are ensuring additional rangers will be available at parks that are within two hours’ drive of the Commonwealth Games Stadium, including Springbrook, Lamington, Tamborine and Burleigh Head national parks.”

“We will be increasing rostered ranger patrols on weekends to all our popular parks, rangers will be patrolling more during the week as well, and we will be able to bring in some rangers from other areas for the two weeks of the Games.

“Our Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service rangers are keen ambassadors for our unique national parks, particularly those within the Gondwana Rainforests of the Australia World Heritage Area along the Queensland/New South Wales border.”

Minister for Tourism Industry Development and the Kate Jones said the Commonwealth Games was an ideal time to showcase Queensland to the world.

“This will be the largest event in Queensland’s history – it only makes sense that we do everything possible to ensure visitors during the Games have access to explore our natural assets while they’re here,” Ms Jones said.

“Visitors to our great state are looking for unique experiences and our national parks offer just that.”

Ms Enoch said increased park ranger patrols would assist with visitor safety and help ensure park protection.

“This will give visitors greater opportunities to catch up and speak with our rangers, as there are no better people to learn from and gain a full appreciation of what our national parks have to offer.

“It’s great news for local, national and international visitors that may have a limited amount of time to spend at our national parks, but still want an opportunity to visit and enjoy them.

“Our visitors can look for park rangers with ‘Ask Me’ badges to obtain excellent local knowledge about each particular park.”

The National Parks Association of Queensland has thrown their support behind the initiative, with Association President Graeme Bartrim saying, “It’s great to see the outstanding values of our Queensland parks promoted.”

Information on national parks on and around the Gold Coast can be found at npsr.qld.gov.au/parks.

Members of the public can also access park alerts at npsr.qld.gov.au/park-alerts for the latest information on park access, closures and conditions.

Media contact: 0437 859 987