National parks to be opened up for development (vic)

[Bird]

Hmmm........ not sure what to make of this...
Wonder how this will affect camping areas, and how the hell will this get past 1 greeny?

National parks to be opened up for development

Victoria's national parks will be open for private development under a shake-up unveiled by the state government.

Releasing the government's response to a report into the state's tourism industry it has had since June last year, Treasurer Kim Wells said the government had struck the right balance between boosting tourism and protecting the environment.

Developments in national parks will need to be sensitive to the environment, and about one third of national parks considered to be wilderness areas will not be open for development.

Environment Minister Ryan Smith will develop guidelines for approval and will be responsible for giving projects the green light.

Advertisement Tourism Minister Louise Asher said Victoria needs more tourism investment.

"The tourism industry has been crying out for this for a number of years," she said.

Ninety-nine-year leases will be available to the private sector.
Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/environment/national-parks-to-be-opened-up-for-development-20120823-24o1q.html#ixzz24KlcOrLn

[stepheng]

It doesnt sound good even if they protect the environment. No private company is going to invest unless they get a return, so this can only mean one thing - it will cost you more..They would also demand protection for their investment, ie people cant camp in the National Park for $12 a night and they have to use my Big 4 park for $90 a night instead.

It will be a sad day, if National Parks are opened up and instead of just pitching your trailer, no power, enjoying the bush and sceneary you will see jumpiing pillows, games rooms and a kids zone...Not that there is anything wrong with that but this is not why I go to a National Park.

[bussoboy]

looks like i'll have to do my High Country trip before someone puts a Macdonalds @ Craigs hut

[Mace]

Commercial Development Policies have existed for the Victorian National Parks System since the 70's.  Various governments have either promoted them or put them on the backburner.  There are a few existing developments allready:

Mt Buffalo Chalet - still trying to get an operator for that one, its just decaying away, unused for 3 or 4 years!!

Seal Rocks - Phillip Island Nature Reserve - currently a basket case.

They work well if done properly.  Bay of Fires and Cradle Mountain in Tas have commercial cabins along walking tracks and campground cabins - along with NPS run camping areas. Usually aimed at high end $$ users.

Very common in the State's.

http://www.yosemitepark.com/lodging.aspx

The balancing act is to offer a range of accomodation, and have them non-competing
in both market and location.

Hopefully, the ability to offer 99 year leases will get someone interested in Mt Buffalo Chalet. A previous potential operator walked away from a deal because only 25 or 30 year leases (not shure which) were available.