Greens tourism plan to create jobs and protect our precious places

The Greens have announced a $100 million package to boost tourism, with a focus on regional and rural areas to build sustainable local economies beyond the mining boom.

“Australia’s clean, green environment is a huge drawcard for domestic and international tourists alike, worth billions in the new economy,” said the Australian Greens tourism spokesperson Senator Janet Rice.

Boost for tourism in the home of the Leadbeater’s Possum

The Greens have pledged $3 million of federal funds to invest in the tourism potential of Victoria’s Central Highlands region and its precious forests.

“The Greens’ vision is to invest in tourism attractions and services that showcase the incredible natural environment of the region,” said Victorian Senator and leader of the Australian Greens Dr Richard Di Natale.

The arrival of the United Nations Reactive Monitoring Mission in Tasmania puts the onus on Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt to reject the Tasmanian government's plans to log inside the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

The Australian Greens say the Tasmanian government cannot be trusted to properly assess the environmental impacts of development in national parks and World Heritage areas, for which it has today opened expressions of interest.

"Unfortunately in Tasmania we have a government with the mentality that if you can't dig it up or cut it down then you should put a resort on it. That's a very bad idea," said Greens Leader Christine Milne.

"The Greens want Tasmania to benefit from a strong tourism industry, so the Hodgman government has to get real.

Australia's natural environment is the tourism industry's most important asset. The Greens are committed to protecting the environment and caring for the people who work in tourism by ensuring a strong sustainable tourism industry. The mining boom threatens some of our most spectacular places such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Tarkine as well as contributing to driving up the Australian dollar, which has hurt tourism businesses.

> ENSURING THE GROWTH OF TOURISM