Standardisation of entry fees to national parks

1/6/94

Western Australia's national parks and their visitors will benefit through new arrangements announced today by Environment Minister Kevin Minson.

Mr Minson said by standardising current entry fees more than $1 million would be raised so parks would be better managed, facilities upgraded and the environment better protected.

He said every dollar raised from entry fees would be ploughed back into the particular park.

Fees to enter some parks in WA were between $3 and $5 for vehicles and $2 for bus passengers but would be standardised to $5 for all parks.  The $2 bus passenger charge would not change.

"Entrance fees to national parks are charged right around the country - and in most other countries - with WA's among the lowest in Australia," Mr Minson said.

"In fact, surveys show that on the whole most tourists expect to pay entry fees to national parks,"

Mr Minson said fees were already charged at Yanchep, John Forrest, Serpentine, Walyunga, Nambung and Kalbarri national parks.  They would be standardised to $5 immediately.

He said fees would now be charged for entry to 15 national parks with several more being considered later.

Single car and motorbike fees would be introduced in three months.  Fees for bus tours would be introduced in six months giving operators time to factor the new fees into their tour packages.

These proposals would also give the Department of Conservation and Land Management time to brief local authorities, tourist bureaux and others about the new proposals.

Parks where new entry fees would be charged included the Avon Valley, Lesmurdie Falls, Cape Range near Exmouth, Karijini and Millstream in the Pilbara and the Shannon, Gloucester, Warren and Beedelup in the karri forest area.

Fees would also be charged for entry to the Porongurup and Stirling Ranges in the Albany region, Cape Le Grand, Cape Arid and Stokes in the Esperance region and Peron at Shark Bay.

Mr Minson said the new $5 vehicle fee would cover visits to any number of parks in one day.

He said the same applied to $2 bus passengers.

"Previously, a family visiting Walyunga National Park for a picnic and then heading off to see the koalas at Yanchep National Park would pay $9," he said.

"Under this scheme the family saves $4 because the same ticket is used."

Mr Minson said there would also be a special four week 'holiday pass' costing $15 to cater for people travelling around the State and visiting a number of national parks.

Seniors, veterans affairs pensioners and war widows holding the required cards would have a concession rate of $3 a car.

Mr Minson said an annual pass of $12 for entry to any one park or group of parks close to each other would be available to local residents or others who wished to visit particular parks many times a year.

"The Government is committed to protecting the State's natural attractions for future generations and this new scheme will go a long way to ensuring that," Mr Minson said.

Media contact:  Diana Callander 321 2222 or 222 9595