Victoria Gears up to Attract Global Tourists via Nature-based Tourism

Following the release of guidelines for environmentally friendly and sustainable tourism in national parks, Victorians, as well as interstate and international visitors, will have greater opportunities to experience and appreciate the state’s wonderful natural environment The guidelines follow the release of an independent report by the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission which recommended ‘sensible and sensitive developments in national parks’ as a measure to unlock Victorian tourism.

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith said the Coalition Government had embraced the recommendations to stimulate and drive a new era of eco-tourism in Victoria.

Mr Smith said the time had come to open the doors to a new world of opportunity to encourage investment opportunities in Victoria’s world class natural assets.

“Victoria’s national parks are important public assets and, just as occurs in other states and territories, should be open to the public so they can be enjoyed in a responsible and sustainable way,” Mr Smith said.

“The guidelines I am releasing will provide strict environmental protections as part of a comprehensive approvals process.

“Proposals for major new tourism projects will require a detailed environmental  management plan supported by an independent environmental risk assessment and
auditing of the plan.

“There must also be proper community consultation and projects will be asked to generate a net public benefit for the community use of the park.”

Mr Smith said the guidelines were an important step towards enabling appropriate investment to occur in regional Victoria, and enhancing tourism opportunities and
supporting local economies.

“The more that people have access to their natural environment the more they will come to appreciate, respect and care for it,” Mr Smith said.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher said Victoria was competing with other states, the Northern Territory and New Zealand to gain market share in the lucrative eco-tourism sector, and needed to improve its offering to travellers to induce them to stay longer in regional Victoria.

“Eco-tourism is an important driver of jobs and money for local communities, and as is the case with other iconic destinations such as the Cradle Mountain Huts, Wilpena Pound, Kingfisher Bay Lodge in Tasmania and Milford Sound Huts in New Zealand, they can co-exist with national parks and other natural areas,” Ms Asher said.

Mr Smith said the Coalition Government would be encouraging proposals that
complemented the values of national parks, broadened the appeal of our great
natural assets and allowed more people to experience these unique places.

The government has also agreed to exclude investment proposals in certain areas, such as wilderness parks, wilderness zones and remote and natural areas set out in the National Parks Act 1975 or reference areas under the Reference Areas Act 1978.

Approved tourism investment projects will be subject to lease conditions to ensure the values of national parks are not compromised. Legislation to enable the changes will be introduced into Parliament in the coming months.

“The guidelines outline clear principles for the consideration of proposals and a clear and transparent process to guide prospective investors and other parties,” Mr Smith said.

“The release of the guidelines is about making the most of these beautiful natural places and making Victoria’s national parks more accessible to more people. We value our environment and we are working to ensure all Victorians can enjoy it.”