Park entrance fees head list of NT revenue raising measures

TERRITORIANS and tourists may soon be paying to use Litchfield National Park under revenue raising measures planned by the Gunner Government as part of its Budget Repair Plan

Prepare to pay ... Wangi Falls in Litchield National Park.

TERRITORIANS and tourists may soon be paying to use Litchfield National Park under revenue raising measures planned by the Gunner Government as part of its Budget Repair Plan.

Treasurer Nicole Manison announced the shock revenue raising measure along with a number of other controversial new fees including:

• An increase in taxes for online betting agencies.
• A number plate fee of $40
• An increase in the cost of personalised plates to $250
• A MVR search fee of $20
• Pathology services fee increase
• Fireworks licence fees
• General skills migration visa processing fee
• ICT support contributions from non-government schools
• Increase in entry fees in selected Museum and Art galleries NT properties

Tourism, Sport and Culture Minister Lauren Moss said the NT Government would look at various interstate working models for park use fees.

“The NT Government will investigate models for introducing park use fees as well as reviewing current walking fees for major tracks and increases to our comparatively low camping fees,” she said.

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“Our parks are valuable Territory assets. Collecting fees, which is common practice across the world, recognises their value in terms of conservation and visitation and ensures they can be maintained to a high standard.

“There are a number of significant issues that will need to be considered, including impacts on locals, ICT requirements and joint partnerships with Traditional Owners and custodians.

“Parks and Wildlife are working on options for Government’s consideration, which will include benchmarking against other jurisdictions.”

Darwin Airport boss Ian Kew said he would like to see what the NT Government thinks it will get out of park entry and camping fees.

“If the Government wants to upset people this is the perfect way to do it,” Mr Kew said.

“Where is the fact-based evidence to support new park entrance fees?

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“Have they looked at what people’s propensity to visit would be?

“You wouldn’t make any changes in a business like that without first having a strong fundamental understanding of the impact it would have.”