Federal government funding boost for national parks

The government will pump more than $260m of extra funding into national parks in a bid to repair dilapidated infrastructure and prevent further extinctions.

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek. Picture: Blair Jackson

The government will pump more than $260m of extra funding into national parks in a bid to repair dilapidated infrastructure and prevent further extinctions.

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said national parks were “falling apart”, with many closed to visitors because they were not safe, and unveiled a $262m package ahead of the ­budget to repair infrastructure and protect threatened species.

“These natural treasures should be a source of national pride, but instead they are falling apart. At Kakadu, the Jim Jim Rangers station roof is peeling off and there are broken or missing crocodile warning signs in the park,” she said.

“At Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, roofing is falling apart on shelters designed to provide shade and protection from the harsh desert heat, and housing for staff is inadequate.

“Shockingly, two of Australia’s most recent extinctions happened in our national parks.”

It follows Labor last year ­announcing its goal to prevent any new extinctions of native Australian wildlife, with a 10-year plan that is focused on more than 100 priority species and 20 locations in dire need of protection.

“We need to better protect these parks … and make sure they’re safe for the staff and the visitors,” she told the ABC.

“The government’s investment will address critical infrastructure needs, including up­dating unsafe equipment, fixing inadequate signage, providing essential ranger housing, and refurbishing rundown facilities.

“It will boost conservation ­activities and cultural heritage management.”