The Government doesn’t have a coherent plan for the
devastating impact Covid-19 has had on the conservation
sector, National’s Conservation spokesperson Jacqui Dean
says.
“There is nothing proposed in Budget 2020 to
lessen the pain for businesses permitted to operate on
conservation land, or make the most of our outstanding
natural resource,” Ms Dean says.
There is going to
be a $60 million shortfall created by lost concessions, and
this is exacerbated by no more money coming through from the
border tax.
“Businesses permitted to operate on
conservation land are still being forced to pay full
concession fees despite tourism revenue having dried up and
no evidence of any help from the Government,” Ms Dean
says.
“Instead of covering losses with taxpayer
money, there should be a focus on investing in and improving
our conservation land.
“We should be supporting
further hunting, guiding and accommodation resources that
will bring both domestic and eventually overseas
visitors.”
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