On the Eve of World Environment Day, the Australian Democrats have criticised the State Government for putting more money into promotion of tourism in South Australia’s National Parks but none for their protection in last week’s Budget.

"The Australian Democrats identified the Ecotourism industry as a way forward for South Australia long before Labor or Liberal took it seriously," Australian Democrats leader, Mike Elliott, said today.

"And while I welcome the recognition of Ecotourism in last week’s Budget, the Budget Papers suggest that the State Government is going into it half-baked.

"The principle is simple – if you do not protect the ecology there is no industry.

As well as the obvious observation that National Parks must always have conservation as their principle objective.

"The Budget Papers identify marketing our Outback, coastal and island parks as a target for 2001-02 (Budget Paper 5, Vol. 2, p.10.9).

"However, there is only $1 million extra funding to park visitor services to deal with any increased visitor load, which in real terms is no increase at all (Budget Paper 5, Vol. 2, p.10.25).

"Neither is there any specific money set aside for the increased impact of visitation on our parks through Ecotourism.

"To increase demand without increasing protection seriously threatens the viability of our National Parks for future generations.

"A visionary State Government would see Ecotourism as both an opportunity and a responsibility.

"However, it seems that yet again the Olsen State Government is only interested in short-term economic and political gain."