❓ Mrs. Hayden questions Premier McGowan about a 36% increase in national park camping fees, arguing it burdens struggling families. McGowan defends the increase as cost recovery for park maintenance and upgrades, highlighting the affordability and quality of WA's national park camping experiences.
AnsweredQoN 755Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
NATIONAL PARKS — CAMPING FEES
755. Mrs A.K. HAYDEN to the Premier:
I refer to households that are
struggling to pay their mortgages, and struggling with the government's
$850 a year cost-of-living increases, resulting in record electricity
disconnections. Why has the Premier increased national park camping fees by 36 per
cent, which is effectively —
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER : Members! Start
again.
Mrs
A.K. HAYDEN : Why has the Premier
increased national park camping fees by 36 per cent, which is effectively a cash grab on the only cheap holiday alternative for struggling Western Australian
families?
755. Mrs A.K. HAYDEN to the Premier:
I refer to households that are
struggling to pay their mortgages, and struggling with the government's
$850 a year cost-of-living increases, resulting in record electricity
disconnections. Why has the Premier increased national park camping fees by 36 per
cent, which is effectively —
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER : Members! Start
again.
Mrs
A.K. HAYDEN : Why has the Premier
increased national park camping fees by 36 per cent, which is effectively a cash grab on the only cheap holiday alternative for struggling Western Australian
families?
AnswerView source ↗
Mr Speaker —
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER : Members! I am
not sure what the question was, but I want to hear the answer.
Mr M. McGOWAN : It was an
interesting preamble, Mr Speaker, with an unexpected twist at the end.
As I understand it, the fees for
camping in national parks are cost recovery. If we do not recover the cost of
the camping from the people who do the camping —
Mr A. Krsticevic interjected.
The SPEAKER : Member for
Carine, I call you to order for the third time.
Mr
M. McGOWAN : — it is a subsidy
from taxpayers. I go camping with a tent. I like camping. I go camping with a tent. My favourite place is actually Lane Poole Reserve, which is a —
A member interjected.
Mr M. McGOWAN : Yes, it is; it
is a national park. I have camped in Chuditch, and some of the other smaller
campgrounds. I can tell members that it is a wonderful experience. I think the
rangers who manage these facilities do a very good job, but obviously the
government has to pay for that. Therefore, ensuring that there is cost recovery
on the camping experience, I think, is a reasonable thing. I think most people
think that is a reasonable thing. When it comes to Lucky Bay, I was in Lucky
Bay on holidays with my wife and children. The upgrades to that camping ground
are simply magnificent. It is a marvellous place to stay. In comparison with
other places around the word, it is quite affordable. In fact, in comparison
with other places around Australia, it is very affordable. I would encourage
everyone to get out there and experience our national parks. It is a great
holiday.
Several members interjected.
The SPEAKER : Members! I am
not sure what the question was, but I want to hear the answer.
Mr M. McGOWAN : It was an
interesting preamble, Mr Speaker, with an unexpected twist at the end.
As I understand it, the fees for
camping in national parks are cost recovery. If we do not recover the cost of
the camping from the people who do the camping —
Mr A. Krsticevic interjected.
The SPEAKER : Member for
Carine, I call you to order for the third time.
Mr
M. McGOWAN : — it is a subsidy
from taxpayers. I go camping with a tent. I like camping. I go camping with a tent. My favourite place is actually Lane Poole Reserve, which is a —
A member interjected.
Mr M. McGOWAN : Yes, it is; it
is a national park. I have camped in Chuditch, and some of the other smaller
campgrounds. I can tell members that it is a wonderful experience. I think the
rangers who manage these facilities do a very good job, but obviously the
government has to pay for that. Therefore, ensuring that there is cost recovery
on the camping experience, I think, is a reasonable thing. I think most people
think that is a reasonable thing. When it comes to Lucky Bay, I was in Lucky
Bay on holidays with my wife and children. The upgrades to that camping ground
are simply magnificent. It is a marvellous place to stay. In comparison with
other places around the word, it is quite affordable. In fact, in comparison
with other places around Australia, it is very affordable. I would encourage
everyone to get out there and experience our national parks. It is a great
holiday.
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