More than 750km of new and upgraded walking tracks, 33 campground upgrades and 61 new and improved picnic areas are set to be delivered, as part of a record investment in community infrastructure in NSW national parks.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Government is investing $257 million to deliver 170 new and improved community infrastructure projects across the national parks estate.
“Not only are our national parks good for the environment and our health and wellbeing, they are good for the health of the economy – injecting around $18 billion into the economy each year and supporting 74,000 direct and indirect jobs,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We’ve seen a huge surge in visitation during the pandemic as people rediscover the joys of the great outdoors, and we want to do everything we can to make the national park visitor experience even better.”
Environment Minister Matt Kean said the record funding amount will be delivered over three years, with priority given to projects that benefit the community and boost eco-tourism across the State.
“Whether it’s improving accessibility with new walking tracks and trails, or new and improved places to share a picnic with family and friends, we are delivering the single biggest investment in community infrastructure in the history of our national parks,” Mr Kean said.
“Over this summer alone, more than 18.5 million visits are expected in the State’s almost 900 National Parks, providing a much needed boost for nearby small businesses and nature-based tourism operators.
“I urge each and every one of those visitors to jump online and head to the national parks website which is jam-packed with the information you need to know to keep yourself safe, your friends safe and your family safe in our national parks.”
Visitors to all NSW national parks are reminded to check the NPWS Alerts for up to date information on any track or precinct closures as well as current COVID-safe requirements.