Park fees not to ease Territory’s debt burden Minister says, despite being on list of 2019 budget repair measures

THE Minister-in-charge of introducing controversial fees to the Territory parks has denied allegations by the Opposition that the measure was being introduced to help fix the government’s serious debt

The Larapinta trail multi-day walk is one of the walks the Territory government is set to impose fees on.

THE Minister-in-charge of introducing controversial fees to the Territory parks has denied allegations by the Opposition that the measure was being introduced to help fix the government’s serious debt issue.

Parks and Rangers Minister Selena Uibo, during question time, said revenue raised from hiking up the cost of camping and introducing fees for multi-day walks would be funnelled back into the department’s budget and put toward improving park infrastructure and amenities.

MORE PARLIAMENT NEWS

Legislation introduced as a matter of urgency to fix problem in the Territory’s planning scheme

‘Not a shred of evidence’ of cocaine sex scandal, Gunner tells fiery first question time of parliamentary year

Urgent laws to make COVID-19 vaccine rollout easier introduced in NT

Hon Chanston Paech chats to Hon Selena Uibo on the first sitting day of Parliament in 2021. Photograph: Che Chorley

The NT News revealed last month that the government was forging ahead with its plan to introduce fees, with the change to come into effect from July 1.

The government is yet to reveal how much it will cost to camp or go on multi-day walks in Territory parks.

It has also been revealed the online booking system planned for the fee rise will cost between $2.5m and $5m.

HOT NEW DEAL: $1 for 28 days subscription offer

Ms Uibo argued Territory park camping fees had not risen in 20 years and said an increase was “well deserved” to “invest them back into parks” to make them more accessible and enjoyable.

Park fees were first flagged by then Treasurer Nicole Manison in 2019 as part of a list of proposed revenue raising measures under the government’s Budget Repair Plan.

The NT is one of the few jurisdictions, alongside Queensland and Victoria, which does not charge park entry fees.