Increased funding required for adequate and effective management of park values
Tasmania’s national parks and reserves are a significant part of Tasmania’s identity, lifestyles, and economy.
Images of rugged mountain scenery, wild rivers and remote wilderness help define Tasmania, and our globally renowned natural environment is one of the State’s most valuable assets, underpinning the State’s reputation as a must-visit destination. Our World Heritage wilderness, national parks, coastal and aquatic experiences and unique wildlife are fundamental drivers of the State’s tourism industry. Indeed, 44% of all visitors cite such experiences as a significant influence to visit, with 42% visiting at least one national park, and 48% undertaking a bushwalk.
In 2016 nature-based outdoor activities generated $334 million in spending, supporting around 3,100 direct and indirect fulltime equivalent jobs. With the large increase in tourism since then this contribution to the State’s economy has no doubt also grown significantly. Nature-based experiences also drives visitation into regional areas.
However, underfunding of Tasmania’s national parks and increased visitor numbers have led to increased environmental pressures on, and degradation of, these valuable assets. If we are to achieve the Value outlined in Tasmania’s 2030 Visitor Economy Strategy to be “Champions of our natural environment” then more needs to be done. As the Strategy notes, the challenge in the years ahead is to direct investment into the careful management of our unique island and assets to deliver and proactively manage visitor growth to protect what we value most.
To succeed in this challenge, future Tasmanian governments should provide increased funding for national parks, public land management and conservation programs to protect the values of these areas, together with balanced tourism policies that protect the natural experience, prevent environmental harm, and avoid over-commercialisation of public lands. This can be achieved by supporting one of the key directions stated in the 2030 Strategy to develop an approach to visitor carrying capacity, considering cumulative impacts, limits and thresholds and investigate options to manage impacts and growth.
Investing in our national parks is an investment in public health, regional economies, and environmental sustainability. Tasmania’s national parks and reserves are a conservation asset of unique significance. Let us ensure that they remain that way.