PEOPLE FLOCKING TO NSW NATIONAL PARKS

Environment Minister Robyn Parker has welcomed the results of the National Parks and Wildlife Service Park Visitation and Volunteering survey that showed 35.5 million visits to national parks across NSW in 2012 – a five per cent increase (1.7 million).

Ms Parker said that investment in walking tracks, lookouts, accommodation and new facilities is providing more access and opportunity for people to enjoy the diverse, precious and unique natural environment our national parks provide.

"Our parks play a critical role in the protection of our biodiversity and natural landscapes and we believe people are at the heart of our conservation goals," Ms Parker said.

"We have declared seven new national parks or reserves in the past two years, providing greater protection for the environment and allowing more people an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.