Oppose laws for National Park development

Tell the NSW Government and the State Coalition you want national parks to remain public and protected, for nature and quiet enjoyment, forever. In your own words express your strong opposition to the “National Parks and Wildlife (Visitors and Tourists) Bill, 2010”. The Bill that would if made into law facilitate commercial development, and particularly new accommodation, in national parks. And ask a question, as questions help to ensure your letter receives a formal reply.

Write to:

Some of the points that you and your friends could raise in your letter to the Premier and/or the Environment Minister include:

• I oppose the "Tourist Development Bill" that introduces specific tourist development provisions into the National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974, including a long shopping list of facilities to allow for such things as fast food joints, supermarkets, golf courses, rifle ranges, conference centres and resorts of all sorts.

• I particularly oppose this “Tourist Development Bill” still will prevent future court appeals against bad developments in our precious National Park. Our Courts should retain the power to thrown out developments, such as private universities and wedding reception centres that don't belong in our national parks.

• The Coalition Party’s opposes the  Part 3A planning laws as it is a Ministerial power grab, so I call on the Coalition Parties to oppose these new park laws for the same reason. I urge the Coalition to continue to oppose construction of new private accommodation facilities inside National Parks.

• There is no evidence whatsoever to support the notion that private development in national parks will boost the tourism industry or provide extra funds for park management. A stronger nature tourism industry for NSW with more people enjoying the parks is best achieved by encouraging tourism investment in nearby towns where it most benefits regional communities.
• There should be bi-partisan support to strengthen national park laws, not to weaken protection so as to facilitate commercial development. With our rapidly growing population, the integrity and protection of our parks is more important now than ever before.
• The cost of visiting National Parks should remain small, to ensure parks can be accessible to all.
• The environmental credentials of any party that supports the "Tourist Development Bill", or any aspect of it, would be permanently tainted. Please advise me of your position on this Bill.