A NSW GOVERNMENT consultation paper has proposed introducing a six-tier system for camping in NSW National Parks that would make the rate for some campgrounds as much as $97 a night or $679 a week.
Public consultation on the changes closed on 25 May.
Concerns have been raised that the tiered pricing could leave camping in National Parks beyond the reach of struggling families.
The paper suggests that the changes would deliver “consistent and equitable camping fees for all NSW national parks”, and support sustainable management of visitation into the future.
According to the NPWS, benefits include a simpler fee per campsite per night; removal of booking and extra-person fees; free camping in basic campgrounds and lower-cost camping options during off-peak periods; more generous refunds of up to 80 percent to encourage cancellations when plans change; improved management of persistent campground issues such as ghost bookings (i.e. no-shows); and more investment in campground services and facilities.
During Question Time in State Parliament on 13 May, Shadow Tourism Minister Kevin Anderson asked Minister Steve Kamper about the proposed fee changes.
“A seven-night camping trip at Thredbo Diggings used to cost a family $6 for the week, but the Government is increasing that cost by at least 2,300 percent, moving camping tourism out of reach for many families,” said Mr Anderson.
“How can the Government justify that extraordinary price hike in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis?”
In response, Mr Kamper said Mr Anderson had “extracted something from a discussion paper… and made it into a reality”.
“The truth is that is where we are on the matter at the moment.
“I have nothing more to say.”
Gloucester Business Chamber President Matt Clinch said the proposed changes represent a “significant shift in how visitors will access and experience our natural landscapes”.
“And it is likely to have substantial negative repercussions on tourism, particularly for towns that rely heavily on their proximity to these outdoor attractions, such as Gloucester,” he said.
“In the last five years, Gloucester and surrounding areas have faced an unprecedented sequence of crises: prolonged droughts, destructive fires, severe floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These events have already diminished visitation and significantly strained local economies, and the proposed fee hikes threaten to compound these challenges by making access even less affordable, thereby discouraging repeat visits and new tourists alike.
“Local businesses will feel the pinch acutely.”
Mr Clinch called for a balanced approach that considers both the operational needs of National Parks and the economic sustainability of local communities.
“Maintaining affordable access to natural parks not only supports tourism and local businesses but is also crucial for fostering community health and resilience,” he said.
Anyone wanting to object to the changes can sign an e-petition on the NSW Parliament website.
By John WATTS
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
