PARK ENTRANCE FEES

In reply to Mr WILLIAMS (MacKillop—Deputy Leader of the Opposition) (11 October 2010).

The Hon. P. CAICA (Colton—Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development): I am advised that:

1. The revenue measures referred to does not solely relate to entrance fees. A variety of measures have been identified to generate additional net income from commercial activities undertaken within the parks system or through increases in cost recovery. These measures include:

undertaking site specific marketing of key parks to increase the number of visitors;

introducing an on-line booking system for heritage accommodation within parks to increase utilisation rates;

ensuring appropriate commercial returns from lessees for the use of parks and/or infrastructure;

implementing entrance fee pricing that reflects improved park infrastructure and visitor experiences; and

progressive introduction of cost-reflective pricing for guided and un-guided tours within commercial sites.

Price increases will contribute to the cost of refurbishments and ongoing maintenance and will reflect the increase in the value of the experience.

All cars entering the majority of National Parks and Reserves are currently subject to a park entry fee. These fees are revised annually and are subject to price increases based on a Government approved escalation rate that takes effect from 1 July.

Entrance fees at a small number of National Parks (Belair, Innes, Lincoln) will be considered for future price increases. Many of South Australia's high visitation parks have undergone multi-million dollar refurbishments to enhance the equality of visitor experiences and improve access.

The park entry fee for a single vehicle at Belair, Innes and Lincoln National Parks was $8.00 in 2009-10. It was increased to $8.50 in 2010-11.

2. It is estimated that there are about 750,000 paying visitors to South Australian National Parks each year.