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Ingram calls for National Parks infrastructureIndependent Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, today called on the State Government to get serious about infrastructure in National Parks. By Craig Ingram - 8th September 2003 - Back to News "Over 12 months ago, the State Government’s timber restructure taskforce visited Orbost and met with key community stakeholders regarding the impact on towns in Gippsland East because of the reduction in timber industry from the sawlog sustainable yield adjustment," Mr Ingram said.
"A common theme through all presentations was the need to increase return from the tourism industry.
"The major limiting factor identified through all communities was the lack of tourism infrastructure in National Parks and the lack of tourism promotion and acceptance of the important role the regions National Parks play in the Gippsland tourism industry.
"Resulting from these discussions, I believe it was evident that there is a need for the State Government to facilitate the development of high standard tourism infrastructure to promote the industry in our region.
"There have been a number of proposals put forward over the past years including cabins on the coast and walking trails.
"I stated to the State Government at the time that the promotion and facilitation of proposals would display a clear and positive direction from Government, which would be extremely welcomed by the community.
"It’s been well over 12 months later and things remain the same.
"The Parks Victoria budgets for our region do not allow for the maintaining of existing assets, let alone for the establishment of new infrastructure.
"The Victorian government must facilitate the establishment of tourism infrastructure into and adjacent to our National Parks, including roofed accommodation.
"If that means private investment, then so be it.
"In Gippsland, we have some of this country’s most spectacular and special areas set aside as National Parks, but the sheer size and distance from accommodation makes them difficult to access for the average tourist.
"It’s time Gippsland’s National Parks became a tourist asset to our region.
"I, like many other residents, am sick of seeing the natural values of our National Parks deteriorate with out the resources that the more frequented parks have available," Mr Ingram concluded.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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