09/06/2005 - Norfolk Island
has enormous untapped potential as an ecotourism
destination, the Parliamentary Secretary to
the Australian Minister for the Environment
and Heritage, Greg Hunt MP, and the Norfolk
Island Minister for the Environment, the Hon
Stephanie Jack MLA, said today.
At a meeting on Thursday 9 June, Mr Hunt and
Mrs Jack discussed how the two governments
could work together to promote Norfolk Island's
unique landscapes and wildlife.
"You have everything here to tap into
the growing ecotourism market," Mr Hunt
said. "Beautiful rainforest and reef,
seabird colonies, unique flora and fauna,
diving, great walks and cycling, and a terrific
National Park and Botanic Gardens."
Mrs Jack said the Island needed to expand
its visitor base.
"Tourism is Norfolk's major source of
revenue and is currently reliant on the package
tour market. The Norfolk Island Government
can see great dividends for the economy in
looking at new low impact environmental experiences
for independent travellers."
Mr Hunt said the Norfolk Island National
Park was a key tourist attraction, and reaffirmed
the Australian Government's commitment of
more than $1 million a year to maintain and
restore its unique flora and fauna, and to
maintain quality visitor infrastructure.
"I'm really proud of the way the Park
has brought back the Green Parrot from the
edge of extinction and rehabilitated the rainforest.
The $3 million reconstruction of the Mount
Pitt Road has been an excellent investment
in tourism infrastructure.
"I have asked the Park Manager to work
closely with the Norfolk Island Government
and the tourism industry to see what more
can be done.
"It's possible that further funding
might be available under the Australian Tourism
Development program or the Tourism and Conservation
Partnerships program, and I'd encourage Norfolk
Islanders to think of ways they can participate
in these schemes," Mr Hunt said.
