RESIDENTS are being urged to help protect the region’s National Parks from private developers.
The Whitsunday Conservation Council (WCC) is inviting people to an information evening, on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, to learn ‘how best to protect the integrity of our National Parks’.
The move follows an invitation by the Queensland Government for ‘suitably experienced individuals, organisations or consortiums to submit their proposals to operate new, nature-based visitor experiences, on the unique Ngaro track, Whitsunday Islands National Park, through an expression of interest (EOI)’ (which closed in May).
This gives the successful applicant(s) authority to conduct commercial activities on the Ngaro track, which WCC says is unacceptable.
“Australia’s National Parks are under siege from privatisation by stealth,” WCC spokesperson Faye Chapman said.
“Developers are using the lure of ecotourism to gain exclusive access deep inside many iconic parks. There is a real danger in letting developers take over precious parts of nature.
“In many places, the average Aussie has been priced out of the park. As well, the private developments are damaging our natural heritage.
“And it is happening right here in the Whitsundays. The newly built Ngaro Trail, on Whitsunday Island, has been offered by tender to commercial operators who will control access to the trail and charge for their services.”
Ms Chapman said few details were available, as there had been no public consultation.
“It is even possible that the public will be denied access, unless booked through the commercial operator and paying a premium price,” she said.
“The proposed Skyway behind Airlie Beach will see up to 100 hectares of National Park turned over to commercial operators, who intend on building a mountain bike trail and luge run.
“Both activities are inconsistent with the intent of a National Park: To protect our natural heritage.”
WCC is concerned that the development and running of these activities would see the destruction of native vegetation and loss of wildlife.
“Now is the time to remind our government that National Parks are there to protect nature, not to support and enrich private developers,” she said.
“Join Whitsunday Conservation Council for an information evening on how we can best protect the integrity of our National Parks.”
Where: 3 Little Birds Café, Airlie Beach
When: Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Time: 5.30pm-6.30pm
RSVP to: admin@whitsundayconservation.org.au.
