25th November 2009
Public National Parks are not for private gain
The National Parks Association of Queensland (NPAQ), Wildlife Queensland and the Queensland
Conservation Council (QCC) are very concerned by today’s announcement by the State
Government to consider proposals for a range of commercial enterprises on National Park land.
Paul Donatiu, NPAQ Executive Coordinator said that “Advice from all key groups in the
Conservation Sector and several regional conservation organisations is that they are unanimously
opposed to any private investment in, or management of, tourism infrastructure on protected
areas.”
The Sector concedes that concessions might be made on Cape York, but only to overcome
problems associated with access and isolation.
Des Boyland, Policies & Campaigns Manager for Wildlife Queensland said that “National Parks are
the cornerstone of conservation for our biodiversity. Approved activities away from this principle
objective cause serious concern. Already horse riding has been permitted and certain commercial
activities are carried out under permit. There are concerns that further expansion will set a
precedent that will continue to escalate.”
Toby Hutcheon, QCC Executive Director said that “The conservation movement has fought hard
and continues the fight for an appropriate protected area estate in Queensland. The conservation
movement believes that National Parks must be managed and operated primarily for the benefit of
conservation and the protection of biodiversity. Further expansion of commercial operations on
National Parks has the potential to put this at risk.”
Contacts
Paul Donatiu
Executive Coordinator
National Parks Association of Queensland
0428 670 878
Des Boyland
Policies & Campaigns Manager
Wildlife Queensland
0427 107 387
Toby Hutcheon
Executive Director
Queensland Conservation Council
0419 664 503
NEWS 
