The Morrison Government yesterday announced the biggest single investment in Australia’s Commonwealth National Parks with more than $230 million in funding for tourism and other infrastructure, including up to $37.4 million for Booderee National Park on the NSW south coast and the Australian National Botanic Gardens in the ACT.

The funding for Parks Australia will provide a much-needed boost for tourism as Australia continues to emerge from the COVID crisis, creating more than a hundred jobs across Booderee and the ANBG.

“New infrastructure means more tourism, more jobs and better outcomes for Australians living in our territories, which is vital as we move through the economic challenges of COVID,” Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said.

“Booderee, blessed with its crystal-clear waters and pristine white beaches, and the Australian National Botanic Gardens which features the most comprehensive collection of native plants in the country, are both unique and among the greatest showcases of our natural environment.

“It is crucial that we maintain these national treasures and the infrastructure that supports tourism, park management, our traditional owners and regional economies, and this investment will deliver just that.”

Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories Nola Marino welcomed the announcement and reaffirmed the Morrison Government’s commitment to supporting local economies which have been severely affected by the recent pandemic.

“Booderee is the jewel in the crown of Australia’s coastal National Parks and it is only fitting that we acknowledge its significance through the construction of a new centre which will bring jobs, welcome visitors and showcase the local Aboriginal culture,” Ms Marino said.

“The funding will also provide for upgrades to campgrounds, the Murrays Beach Boardwalk and Boat Ramp, walking tracks and viewing platforms, all of which will contribute to direct and indirect employment and boost the tourism sector as we emerge from the COVID pandemic.”

Senator for the Australian Capital Territory Zed Seselja welcomed the announcement and said the Australian National Botanic Gardens played host to the largest and most complete collection of Australian native plants in the country and the new funding would contribute to dozens of new jobs.

“The Botanic Gardens are not only there for display, they play a vital role in classification and biology of our native species and importantly, in the protection of Australian threatened plant species,” Senator Seselja said.

“This funding will provide for the jobs needed to build the critical infrastructure the Gardens require to protect the internationally significant collection of plant species from the risk of bushfire as well as essential services and the maintenance of existing critical infrastructure and workshops.”

“With more than half a million visitors through their gates every year, the Botanic Gardens attracts visitors from across Australia and internationally to our city.”

“This announcement builds on more than $1 billion in new investments announced in the ACT by the Federal Government in the past two years, boosting our Canberra economy,” Senator Seselja concluded.

Images and footage available on the following links: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/fb9wmqT9a4 ;https://spaces.hightail.com/space/LTb32BtWIa

The post 13 July 2020 – HISTORIC MORRISON GOVERNMENT COMMITMENT FOR BOODEREE NATIONAL PARK AND AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL BOTANIC GARDENS appeared first on Zed Seselja.