The NSW Government has announced the biggest investment to infrastructure in NSW National Parks’ history, with $257 million planned to be spent on 170 community projects across the state.

In an effort to increase accessibility to the state’s national parks and assist the recovery from the Black Summer Bushfires, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced over $400 million in funding; $257 million going towards park upgrades, $97 million to bushfire recovery work, and $40 million in additional economic stimulus. 

The upgrades to national park facilities will include over 750km of new or improved walking tracks, 33 campground upgrades, and 61 new or improved picnic areas across the state. 

‘This is about making national parks accessible and available to everyone, regardless of age or ability,’ said Energy and Environment Minister Matt Kean. ‘It will not only improve the experience of those visiting our parks but it will create jobs, drive investment, and draw tourism into our regions,’ he said. 

NSW National Parks will soon be advertising for the hire of an additional 160 staff. 

The funds are set to be delivered over a three year period, with projects that will boost the economy and support communities to be given priority.

Visitation to NSW’s 870 national parks is expected to hit 18.5 million just this summer, with the Blue Mountains being one of the most heavily visited parks, even as in the midst of its fire recovery. 

 

Feature photo by @travelmademedoit