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Legislative Council - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2016-02-23 Daily Xml
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Nature-Based Tourism

The Hon. G.A. KANDELAARS (15:03): My question is to the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation. Can the minister inform the chamber about the state government's initiative to boost nature-based tourism opportunities in the state?

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Climate Change) (15:03): I can, and now I will. South Australia has some of the most exciting and pristine nature experiences that can be offered to domestic and international visitors. Nature-based trips, I am advised, already account for $1.1 billion in expenditure in South Australia each year, and we know that nature is the number one driver of international visitors from China, and in particular, I am advised, from emerging markets such as Asia, South-East Asia and China. It makes perfect sense, therefore, that we should aim to grow this sector.

To this effect, and following wide consultation, we have developed a new nature-based tourism strategy, entitled 'Nature like nowhere else'. I had the pleasure of launching this new strategy on Saturday at our own iconic Cleland Wildlife Park with the Minister for Tourism (Mr Bignell). The strategy has been developed in partnership with the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources and the South Australian Tourism Commission. The aim is to drive economic growth and, of course, job creation in these very important industries.

Tourism in South Australia is already worth $5.3 billion a year and employs 32,000 people, I am advised. Through this strategy, we aim to boost the industry by an extra $8 billion a year and 41,000 jobs by 2020; they are the estimates we have been provided. We will do this by supporting existing nature-based tourism ventures, creating new world-class experiences, and promoting our outstanding natural attractions to both domestic and international visitors.

The current list of nature-based activities on offer, and the potential growth of this sector, is incredibly impressive. For example, we are already investing $10.4 million in projects that will bring more people to the Adelaide Hills region in establishing the area as an international mountain biking destination.

The state government is also investing $5 million in the Kangaroo Island wilderness trail, a fantastic five-day walk that will open up opportunities for businesses offering accommodation and guided tours. We are exploring opportunities to develop more standout multiday walks in areas such as the Flinders Ranges, along the Heysen Trail, and the Murraylands. We are also investing $1.7 million in establishing the Adelaide international bird sanctuary in the north of the city that will boost tourism and business in that area.

The opportunities are not restricted to land-based activities, of course. For example, great white shark tourism already contributes an estimated $11.3 million to the state's economy, I am advised, and supports around 70 jobs. Our aim is to expand the ways for people to enjoy our wonderful marine parks through ventures such as cruises to remote islands and bays, boat-based whale and dolphin watching, and shore-based interpretive centres. We will be looking for ways to link nature tourism with top-quality food and wine for which the state is already known so very well.

It is essential that the government does everything we can to assist this important sector to grow. This is why we are exploring ways to adapt existing commercial models in parks, cut red tape, and create opportunities for exclusive-use deals and longer term leases and licences. We are establishing a whole-of-government task force to drive the strategy's action plan and holding the state's first summit on nature-based tourism.

We have developed an investment prospectus which will highlight tourism opportunities in parks for the private sector and ways for local businesses and communities to capitalise on niche markets in existing government ventures. Nature-based tourism offers a unique opportunity to regional communities that are facing changing economic circumstances, and the strategy includes steps to support emerging nature-based tourism opportunities in the regions.

I am advised that a series of regional forums will be held to engage traditional owners, businesses and community groups in the process. We will be providing ongoing support to assist in the development of nature-based tourism experiences in these regions. This is a very exciting strategy, and those interested can access the strategy and additional information by visiting www.parks.sa.gov.au.

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