The Newman Government is making it easier for community-minded Queenslanders to roll up their sleeves and get involved with caring for the state’s beautiful national parks.
National Parks Minister Steve Dickson said he was reminding organisations to lodge ideas by the end of this month for new volunteering and ‘voluntourism’ initiatives in parks across Queensland, delivering on a Newman Government election commitment.
“We want more Queenslanders to be able to learn about, care for and appreciate our fantastic natural spaces in a hands-on, proactive way,” Mr Dickson said.
“That’s why the Newman Government has allocated up to $1 million through our Friends of Parks program to boost volunteer services in national parks throughout the state, with the funding to support ‘volunteer co-ordinator’ positions.
“The former Labor Government focused on increasing bureaucracy of our national parks. The focus of this government is to allow Queenslanders to enjoy and appreciate our national parks.
“By increasing recreational and ecotourism access to our parks and forests, we are also helping to grow Queensland’s four pillar economy and ensuring these precious spaces will continue to be protected into the future.”
Mr Dickson said successful organisations would deliver new and expanded volunteer programs ranging from campground hosting, park maintenance, wildlife monitoring, and protecting cultural sites, to recreation and visitor services.
“These organisations will be able to appoint Friends of Parks coordinators to manage the new volunteering programs,” he said.
“The new initiatives will add value to park management already undertaken by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS), and help build connections between local communities and their national parks.”
Interested organisations are invited to submit offers through the government’s eTendering website (www.publicworks.qld.gov.au/etender).
The tender process will close on 29 November 2013 at 5pm AEST and more information is available at www.nprsr.qld.gov.au or by calling 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
