About this publication
NPWS commercial activity licensing review
June 2007
NPWS licences tour operators and activity providers to offer guided tours, instructional or educational courses and other leisure activities in national parks and reserves. Activities offered by these organisations include bushwalking, camping, four-wheel driving, observing wildlife, fishing, rock climbing and abseiling, cross-country skiing, coach and bus tours, outdoor education activities, boating activities and bird watching.
Commercial activity licences are an important way of meeting the rising demand for high quality services on NPWS land, while financial contributions from commercial activities help meet the cost of managing natural and cultural resources. Most importantly, licences enable NPWS to manage and monitor land uses so they are ecologically sustainable, and land in national parks and reserves is conserved.
The NPWS has instigated a review to encourage visitation and ensure community, visitor and operator expectations are better met. This review will encourage higher operating standards while continuing to focus on the conservation of the unique natural and cultural heritage values of parks.
A discussion paper has been prepared which discusses potential new policies to be implemented through the review.
The issues and policy propositions presented in this paper were developed in consultation with tourism operators, activity providers and industry representatives.
Documents to download
Public consultation
This document was on public exhibition from 27 June 2007 to 27 July 2007. All submissions received during this period will be taken into account as we prepare a final version of the document.