VECCI is calling on the State Government to allow private sector investment in the state’s national parks, as recommended in the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission’s report into the tourism industry.

Private sector development in national parks is already taking place in every state of Australia except Victoria and the ACT. It has also been a feature of international parks management practices for decades, particularly in the US and Canada.

The uniqueness and beauty of our natural environment is also the competitive advantage we have over other destinations but to make the most of it we need to be providing visitors with the nature-based experience they crave.

This means sensitive investment that is sympathetic to natural surroundings. Letting people in will increase support for our natural wonders, compared with the ‘lock up and leave’ approach.

VCEC recommends proposals for public sector developments that can demonstrate a net benefit to the community and VECCI supports this stance.

The fact is tourism is a major employer and economic stimulator in regional Victoria and strategic, sensitive investment in national parks would only increase the net benefit to the community.

It is in the tourism industry’s best interests to preserve the natural environment – tourism operators are not going to propose development that detracts from the surroundings.

VECCI is calling on the State Government to announce its support for the VCEC draft recommendation.